Performing Arts Center ACTIVITES
Sean compiles some general information and current events on the groups that live in GPHS' Performing Arts Center, as well as some more specific info about the groups they specialize in.
Performing arts center updates
By Sean Glover
Grants Pass High School Performing Arts Center (PAC) continues creating art for the public, after a hiatus of almost two years, with a holiday concert comprised of pieces from the award-winning band, orchestra, and choir departments. This music-oriented event has not seen the PAC stage since December of 2019--before COVID-19 wiped every activity off the calendar and left the spring performances hanging.
The holiday concert wipes off the dust of these performers and gives them a chance to shine under the light they have been missing for years. The Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Percussion Ensemble have all learned a variety of winter-themed pieces to perform within the band department’s segment of the concert. Alongside the band, the orchestra and choir branches include groups such as the Concert Orchestra, String Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Contemporary Choir, Melodairs Choir, Tenor/Bass Choir, Concert Choir, and the Sounds Unlimited Choir.
With a tight time crunch consisting of only a few weeks, the band department, who recently finished their marching band season, and the choir department, who had their fall concert over a month ago, have worked vigorously to learn all of their pieces by Dec. 7 and 8. On these dates, two of the performances start at 7:00 PM and the matinee on Dec. 8 starts at 4:00 PM.
Until this date, each music department compiles their setlists and practices their festive songs in preparation for the big, long-awaited night ahead. Bryce Robertson, a member of Sounds Unlimited, reports that “We have two concert pieces that are more complicated than [the songs we’re performing for] our gigs… but when it comes to gig pieces, we have almost twenty to learn.” Liv Akers, a marimba player who performs with various ensembles, adds, “[I have] five pieces to learn between the concert and the upcoming solo and ensemble competition… I’m technically a part of Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble. Wherever they need percussion.”
December becomes a busy time of year for these artists, so any kind of support aids these programs tremendously. Tickets are $10 for general admission, but senior citizens and children (including any District 7 students) get a discounted price of $6.
Thank you for tuning in, Scroll readers, and hope to see you there!
