On Dec.19, Emerson’s Fine Arts Department will put on a showcase in the auditorium, featuring performances from band, choir, color guard, dance, drill team, orchestra and theater. Over the past few weeks, each fine art group has been putting together a performance to display their hard work throughout the year.
This year, choir, band and orchestra will collaborate to perform Emerson’s traditional “Sleigh Ride” song during the Fine Arts Showcase. This presents an extra challenge as the three fine arts departments must coordinate their music.
“We’ve been having rehearsals before school, during lunch and after school just all together,” Hannah Alban, 12, said.
While band, choir, and orchestra work on their pieces, color guard has also been designing its own performances. Color guard will have two different shows, one by the A-day class and another by the B-day class, which features more experienced members.
“For the Fine Arts Showcase, I’m doing a color guard performance with the 3B class of color guard, so it will be all rifles,” Hailey Vasquez, 11, said.
Emerson’s Theater Department is also going to make an appearance at the showcase. Their performance will feature a song from the upcoming musical they have been rehearsing for.
“We are performing a number from ‘Guys and Dolls’ called ‘Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat,’” the theatre director Libby Rotan said. “We chose this piece in particular because it includes most people and it’s a really big, flashy number.”
The Fine Arts Showcase is a great way for each art department to represent the work they have put in throughout the first semester in a way that provides entertainment for the community.
“We aim to connect with people by playing familiar tunes that they will recognize,” Sai Satheshkumar, 11, said.
On top of being fun for the audience, the showcase is themed around the holidays, allowing the fine arts departments to create their unique traditions.
“I really love when the Majestics put their big Santa hat on the Majestics sign,” Rotan said.
Besides simply being enjoyable, the showcase offers an opportunity for the community to recognize the dedication of the fine arts department.
“Emerson’s fine arts puts in a lot of work all throughout the year,” Satheshkumar said. “It’s not a seasonal thing, and it’s important for people to recognize the value that we provide.”
Furthermore, the Fine Arts Showcase allows students to display their passion for fine arts. For some, their fine art is more than just an in-school interest.
“I think making music is one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life, and choir allows me to do that,” Maya Richa, 11, said.