The winter concert: a Pennridge tradition since the district’s founding in 1952. This is a night when both the band and orchestra groups join together to perform. It usually is an hour long, filled with many songs and happiness. This event showcases one of the many creative arts programs at PHS, and brings joy to the audience. This always brings the school together as students’ talents are showcased.
To the average eye, this may seem like a simple process and a few practices leading up to the concert, but this is far from the truth. Both directors put much thought and work into the planning of the night. Jennifer Divasto, the orchestra director, explained, “A lot of prep goes into it. It starts with choosing the songs, figuring out what your group is capable of and what will challenge them.” The mere planning of the semester takes a lot of work. With new students, songs, and instruments each year, the groundwork starts way before the first day of school. Specifically with the songs, every so often the directors make their own arrangements, which take extra time. There are many steps to get to the final show besides just practicing, which is often misunderstood or discredited.
Other than the hard work, the pure unity from this is also commendable. The band and orchestra combine for a few practices before the concert, but before that, they are separate. Consisting of woodwind, brass, and varying percussion instruments, the band works on musical skills, teamwork, and discipline throughout the semester. While the orchestra may have different instruments, there are also the same goals incorporated. On the surface level, Divasto goes on to say, “It’s really cool to put something together where they can both play.” She finds it fascinating when choosing the songs for both groups, and to see them perform as one. On a deeper note, Nicholas Hall, the band director, stated, “We’re always talking about ways we can combine our forces. That’s something I’ve come to enjoy.” Not just the students appreciate the collaboration, but the teachers do too. This makes it more fun for everyone.
Community is a huge part of Pennridge High School, and the winter concert contributes to this factor. Not only does this event bring together the band and orchestra, but the student body joins in to celebrate the talents of the school. The winter concert is one of the most valuable nights at Pennridge, but that is sometimes overlooked. When taking a step back, there is a true sense of community. Even if an audience member isn’t fond of music and/or Christmas, there will still be a smile on their face. The songs alone bring joy, let alone the excitement of the band and orchestra members. One last quote from Divasto, “The one thing that we’ve done that’s kept going since I’ve been here is sleighride. It’s a fun holiday tune to get everyone in the spirit.”
Sources:
https://pennridgehs.pennridge.org/departments/performing-arts/band
https://www.pennridge.org/
