Embedded Files
In this article, Melanie discusses the GPHS holiday concert.
The GPHS Holiday Concert
The GPHS Holiday Concert
By: Melanie Campbell
By: Melanie Campbell
On Dec. 16 and 17, the Grants Pass High School choir, orchestra, and jazz band delivered an unforgettable holiday concert at the Grants Pass Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. This annual event transformed the auditorium into a vibrant celebration of Hanukkah, Christmas, and the universal joy of the season. Directed by Mr. Norfleet, Mrs. Debolt, and Ms. Pulsipher, the concert captivated audiences for an hour and a half, drawing massive, enthusiastic crowds on both nights.
According to Ms. Pulsipher, the concert featured performances from five distinct choir ensembles: Contemporary Choir, Melodaires, Tenor Bass, Concert Choir, and Sounds Unlimited. Each group brought unique energy, from the fresh voices of new vocalists to the polished performances of seasoned musicians. Combined songs included powerful renditions of “Auld Lang Syne”, “Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring”, “At This Table”, and "Si Vivon”, with all five choirs coming together in breathtaking harmonies.
Months of preparation led to this spectacular event. Choir rehearsals began immediately after the fall concert in October, while band and orchestra rehearsals kicked off in November. By December, their collective effort culminated in a flawless, emotionally charged performance that illustrated the dedication and talent of both the students and faculty. When asked how the concert went overall, ninth grade Contemperary Choir member JJ Norton said, "Everyone all did good, but there's always room for improvement!"
Image from pikpic.com
One of the performance's combined songs was “Si Vivon”, a lively Hebrew song celebrating the joy of Hanukkah. According to My Jewish Learning, a website dedicated to educating people on Judaism and Jewish life, the song joyfully urges the dreidle to spin. Another highlight was the choir and orchestra's rendition of “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”, reflecting the profound relationship between man and God. This song was composed by Bach, and was originally intended for a more lively tempo but has become a more slow-paced and majestic song. The choir and orchestra also delivered a touching performance of “Auld Lang Syne”, evoking nostalgia and warmth in the audience. For a playful twist, the choirs performed “The 12 Days After Christmas”, a humorous take on the classic carol, where the song describes the singer destroying all of the gifts given by his lover after a fight. Lastly, the concert included "In Summer” from Frozen, where Olaf the snowman sings about his dream of living in summer, adding a delightful touch of whimsy.
Image from stockcake.com
The Jazz Band and orchestra enhanced the evening with stunning solos, including a captivating interpretation of The Nutcracker. Each performance displayed the precision and passion of the student musicians. Dani Porterfield, a ninth-grade Jazz Band saxophonist, when asked how the concert was received by the audience, responded "We were sold out. The entire concert was full." The seamless coordination between the choir, band, and orchestra highlighted the extraordinary musical talent at Grants Pass High, as well as the dedication and guidance of the faculty.
As the concert concluded, the pride and joy on the faces of both students and teachers were evident. The deafening applause that followed was a powerful acknowledgment of the hard work, talent, and commitment that made the event unforgettable. More than just a performance, the concert showed what it means to unite and spread joy and warmth during the holiday season. This year’s holiday concert will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the school year's highlights, a profound display of what can be achieved through collaboration, dedication, and a shared love of music.
Sources:
Sources:
Information from Ms. Pulsipher
Interview with JJ Norton
Interview with Dani Porterfeild
Page updated
Report abuse