On a brisk winter night, our school’s yearly winter concert combines Franklin High School's chorus and orchestra to bring fulfilling music contrasting heritage and togetherness. From the uplifting melody of "All I Want for Christmas Is You" to the vibrant harmonies of "Bashana Haba'ah," the concert was packed with memorable moments, featuring the energetic and distinctive incorporation of the crowd-loved Chinese drumming featuring Adam Peng who attained the position of first chair in our districts orchestra adjacent to ian another talented drummer alongside the choir.
The concert highlighted our students' amazing skills and commitment, as they presented a diverse range of festive and classical music, offering an ideal beginning to the holiday season. The choir delivered a lively selection of songs, such as “Jambo Jambo” as Mrs. Plouffe's exquisite arrangements accompanied them.
."It's wonderful to attend combined concerts of the chorus and band, as the audience can witness the dedication that the music students invest daily, regardless of the program's size," mentioned one of our chorus participants. "These performances demonstrate to those outside the classroom what we can achieve." The distinctive blend of choir and orchestra highlighted the smooth teamwork between the two ensembles, both of which worked diligently in the days before the event.
The environment in rehearsals was characterized as disorderly but effective. "We communicate all the time but still manage to remember our roles and complete what we must," one student stated. "It's really enjoyable, and we manage to have a great time while remaining concentrated." The commitment to refining every piece shone through on stage as the orchestra and chorus made the most of their rehearsals, animating each performance.
As the concert continued, it became evident that it wasn’t solely about displaying talent—it was about fostering a nurturing, inclusive community within the music program. "A chorus member expressed that the feeling of community in the group is difficult to articulate, yet it embodies a united togetherness." "Although our personalities differ, we connect through music." "There are no exclusive groups, and everyone is extremely encouraging." Many students have discovered this feeling of belonging through their participation in music programs at FHS. A senior contemplated how their position as a section leader enabled them to support the younger students: “I began as an observer, progressed to a leader, and now I'm assisting the freshmen. "It's truly fulfilling to witness our collective growth as a team."
Moreover, one of the choir's favorite traditions after a long concert is celebrating, usually, it is just plainly spending time together and getting food, “while it may seem simple it may seem simple this is what brings me joy” stated many participants.
Aside from the music, this concert also showcased some remarkable accomplishments. Students who received music scholarships were acknowledged, and those who achieved district status or all-state recognition were honored. These kinds of achievements motivate others to follow their love for music. A senior in the choir stated “The sense of community in the chorus is really hard to put in the perfect words, but overall it is a collective togetherness. Despite having different personalities and different backgrounds, we all understand each other through music” reflecting on their motivation for music, marking something greater than “some loser group of kids” who are tired of the misconceptions “Not only do I think stereotyping an entire group of people is stupid, I don't like that people don't take us as seriously as other things at the school. We have our ups and downs like any sport or musical curriculum does and we work just as hard.
You know, maybe this concert recap could even get you to explore new possibilities with the Franklin music department one day.