2024 - Journey to Valhalla

Our 2024 production, "Journey to Valhalla," explored the mythology behind the ascent of Norse warriors into Valhalla, the eternal paradise for those who fell in battle.  Our opening movement, "The Great Battle," depicted several intense fight scenes and duels both through the music and the marching elements of our show.  At the end, our warriors perished, leading into our second movement, "Lament for the Fallen."  A lone soloist started this movement, accompanied by a small ensemble before the full band joined the lament.  As the music sped up, the souls of the fallen began their passage to Valhalla - at the climax of the lament, callbacks to the first movement's battle were heard.  The final movement, "Gates of Valhalla," depicted our warriors arriving at, and entering, the gates of Valhalla and enjoying the many pleasures offered in the realm.  The show ended on a triumphant note for our Viking warriors.

This show represented a big step forward in the music and visual performance demands on the members, being one of the most produced shows for Hazel Park in recent years.  This show also took a rugged, old-school approach to show design, with minimal props and electronics usage.