On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Emerson choir held its first pop show of the school year with a Disney theme, delivering the audience a memorable experience. The concert lineup included classic Disney songs, such as ‘Under the Sea’, ‘Almost There’, ‘Step Up’, and so much more. The choir program used this pop show as a chance to highlight their interests in between their hallmark fall and winter concerts.
“I like to give students two pop shows throughout the year, and one of them is always going to be a themed concert,” choir director Christopher Orr said. “So, this one is just fitting within that box.”
Orr reflects on last year’s concert theme and shares his insights about what this year’s concert will offer.
“Last year, we did an 80s concert, and … that was definitely leaning towards nostalgia,” Orr said. “I think Disney obviously leans towards nostalgia as well, but I think more than anything, it leans towards fun, and nostalgia works in tandem with that.”
This show was primarily led by students from start to finish, allowing them to sharpen their leadership and management skills. Lauren Hahn, 12, the student show coordinator, experienced the highs and lows that come with organizing a show of this magnitude.
“It was the first time in Emerson choir history that we’ve had a separate officer to coordinate the show,” Hahn said. “I feel like it’s been half stressful, and half fun choreographing the dances, coming up with the order, and picking the songs.”
Although there were a few hardships the choir had to overcome, those further allowed them to experience huge growth as performers.
“It helped me grow because we’re not just doing pieces that we like and that we feel comfortable with,” Joslyn Gammons, 12, said. “We’re doing a piece that may be out of our comfort zone, and so then, we learn how to adapt and get better at things that are not just like for you specifically.”
This concert not only helped the choir members grow more comfortable with diverse pieces but also allowed them to gain skills in managing the performance process on their own and overcoming challenges with boldness.
“I think they gained a lot of independence and … a lot of experience when they’re on the stage performing,” Orr said. “I’ve seen kids that go from not auditioning to performing in a show. And I think that’s just crazy … and was good for the show.”
This concert, especially, served as an opportunity to grow strong bonds and start forming memorable moments for a newly admitted freshman as well. Reagan Hasbrook, 9, finds it both a personal milestone and a way to connect with her peers.
“This concert made me grow as a choir member, and I’m new to the choir, so I’m the only freshman and I’m not used to it,” Hasbrook said. “But I feel like when I got to learn everyone and know them, … especially through this concert, it’s a lot more fun in high school than in middle school.”
As the first pop show of the year with a theme that uplifted the performance spirit, the choir hopes to leave the audience with a truly fun and memorable experience through their concert.
“We hope that they have a really good time and enjoy all the songs, and we really encourage our audience to sing along to our songs, too,” Hahn said. “Overall, we just want it to be a fun experience for everyone!”
