Performing Arts

Theater: Oliver Production

By Ellie Fraser

Oliver, the musical based on the novel Oliver twist by Charles Dickens, was our first high school musical in the new auditorium. This show was about a little orphan boy who runs away and joins a gang of pickpockets run by a goofy old man. There is truly never a dull moment between all the family drama and love stories, intertwined to make a great show. With over 50 kids participating in different aspects of the show, Director Amanda Arnold and choreographer Heidi Hackbarth had a lot on their plate. To quote Ms. Arnold, “I was worried that I would not have enough kids to have a musical, but then my expectations were blown out of the water.” From the students on stage, to Kolby Hodnefield and Olivia Boyd doing lights, everyone involved had an amazing time. “Coming into this year, I was a little nervous about what to expect, but as soon as I met Ms. Arnold, I knew this show would be great because of all passion she has for theater, and the energy she puts into everything she does. I honestly can’t wait till next year,” said Kathryn Mohrhauser as Widow Corny. Overall, the student body support was fantastic with the school performance and students coming back at night to see the show again. The show took about two months to put together and had a runtime from February 15th-17th. Oliver was the best possible way to start off the musicals with a new director and a new and improved theater program.

Concert Band

(Ninth Grade Band)

By Emily Wehausen

With the concert approaching, exciting times are ahead for ninth grade band members and director Sean Conway. For the upcoming spring recital, freshmen worked with the upper band in a joint performance of iconic songs, including “How Far I’ll Go,” “Despacito,” and a medley of songs from The Lion King. The St. Croix Central bands will be performing on May 14 in the high school auditorium at 6:30 p.m.

Ninth grade band members have had a productive and challenging year. For many freshman, it was their first time playing in marching band, pep band, and the field show. Current ninth graders became more experienced players throughout the course of the year. “[The freshman band] has grown significantly,” says band director Sean Conway. “I really enjoy working with them.”

As the year draws to a close, freshmen band students become closer to joining the upper band. “I am very excited to join the upper band,” says ninth grade saxophone player Max Larson. “I look forward to becoming part of such a skilled group.”

Freshmen band members have had an exciting and fun year and have many more to come as future upper band students.

Symphonic Band

(Upper Band)

By Jena Kost

Under the new leadership of Sean Conway, the band is thriving. A new program was available to band students this year, known as Fleurish Winds. Another change this year was the absence of a Fall concert. Instead, band students spent more time working on music for the Homecoming Field Show.

After Homecoming and State Football, band students began working on the pieces for the Winter concert. These pieces included Perilous Voyage, Perthshire Majesty, and A Christmas Festival. Two pieces were not percussion heavy, so half of percussion sat out on either Perthshire Majesty or A Christmas Festival. Perilous Voyage was a piece that started slow and beautiful, and then it sped up into something fast and exciting. Thus creating the feeling of a journey gone wrong. It eventually went back to soft and sweet, creating the image of the eye of a hurricane where all is calm. Then it went back to fast and loud, creating the same previous feeling of peril. Perthshire Majesty was one of the slower pieces, written by Samuel R. Hazo. It creates the image of a calm kingdom. Especially with the chords used. A Christmas Festival was the only winter-related piece. It contained a combination of well-known Christmas songs, such as Jingle Bells and Joy to the World.

The most recent concert, at the time of writing this article, is the Spring concert. The Spring concert featured pieces such as Novo Lenio, Firebrand!, and Toccata. Novo Lenio was also written by Samuel R. Hazo. It contained three movements, relating to a school. The first movement was titled, “Remembrance.” It sounded like a faint and slow version of the school’s song. The second movement was titled, “Qui Non Proficit Deficit.” This movement symbolized the destruction and rebuilding of the school. The final movement was titled, “A New Beginning,” and this movement symbolized the new school. The second piece was Firebrand!, a fast piece full of fury. It had a catchy, repeating tune, with a soft and slow section in the middle of the piece. The last song was Toccata. The song opened with a menacing chord and ended in a bright and happy tune.

For the final concert, Freshmen and Upperclassmen Band are combining to play “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana, “The Lion King Medley,” and, of course, “Despacito.” Moana has become a favorite movie to many people. “How Far I’ll Go” is a bright and happy song about Moana wanting to leave her home and go explore. “The Lion King Medley” contains songs such as “The Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” and “Be Prepared.” This piece is also from another heartfelt favorite of Disney fans. The final song, “Despacito,” is a popular pop song. It features Michael Lefeber, the trumpet soloist, and is a tune many are not likely to keep out of their heads.

When interviewing Mr. Conway, I asked if Upperclassmen Band had gone well this year. He said that when he arrived at this school, there was “already a good foundation in place in Upperclassmen Band.” He also said that, “the way we balance and listen to each other has improved.” In the future, he is looking forward to the Disney trip, digging into musical ideas we’ve worked on, and, “even more challenging repertoire.” One very important final comment from Mr. Conway: He learned “the importance of making sure you double check that your cellphone is turned off before a concert.” Those who were there will know.

Jazz Band

By Kolby Hodnefield

Under the direction of Sean Conway, the Jazz Band made three public performances to show off the incredible talents of St. Croix Central. Despite meeting from 7:15 to 7:55 on both Monday and Friday mornings, the Jazz Band was comprised of just over twenty dedicated students. However, something to look forward to for next year is the later starting time. Next year the Jazz Band will meet from 7:30 to 7:55. The group played twice at the newly built St. Croix Central Community Auditorium and once at Sidetrack Saloon for Extravabandza. Conway said that “The Jazz Band did a great job of coming together when it mattered most.” There are only good things in store for the SCC Jazz Band.

Solo and Ensemble

(State qualifiers for band and choir Solo & Ensemble)

SOLO & ENSEMBLE

By Sarah Lent

Among the many activities the music department of St. Croix Central participates in, marching band, pep band, and Solo & Ensemble are some of them. Solo & Ensemble is a festival students in band and choir prepare weeks for, and at the festival, they perform their pieces in front of a judge to be criticized and complimented.

Students who choose to participate must train day in and day out. They usually practice about 30 minutes with Amanda Arnold, the choir director, and 30 minutes or more on their own. She created practice tracks of her playing the piano so the students could practice at home, too. Sean Conway, the band director, says his student’s practice time varies but Solo & Ensemble requires plenty of worktime inside and outside of school.

There were 38 entries and 64 total students that participated, and of the many members, some made it to state. In order to go to state, a student had to play or sing a Class A piece and get an ‘A’ and 1-star rating. April 9th was districts Solo & Ensemble, and May 5th was state.

In choir, state qualifiers were: Christopher Harney (Bass solo, Musical Theater Bass solo), Olivia Boyd (Soprano solo), Robyn Pfeifer (Soprano solo, Musical Theater Soprano solo), Riley Hackbarth, Jared Tritz, and Christopher Harney (TTB Trio), Robyn Pfeifer and Christopher Harney (SB Duet).

In band, state qualifiers were: Tyler Miller (Soprano Saxophone and Alto Saxophone solos), Kathryn Mohrhauser (Trombone solo), and the Saxophone Choir: Annika Zehm, Tyler Miller, Mikala Bringgold, Grace Hanson, Savannah Bodish, Sara Nyhus, and Peyton Timmerman.

Choir

By Kolbi Juen

After looking back at the past year, there has been a tremendous amount of positivity and energy brought into the Saint Croix Central Choir. The driving force behind the choir starts with first year teacher, Amanda Arnold. “My main goal was to first assess what I felt needed that most attention,” Arnold stated. “I knew nothing about any of you or the program itself. After that, I made a few goals. First was to perform at the homecoming game, and the second was try and create a place where students felt comfortable enough to take risks and try new things.”

The SCC choir has made drastic improvements this year. Ms.Arnold created the first Show Choir Showcase at our school and took part in giving many other options as an extracurricular for choir. Many of the other groups, such as show choir, REER choir, barbershop, men’s ensemble, and women’s ensemble, were fun experiences that have performed at the fall and winter concert. Another great opportunity that certain individuals are selected for is the District Honors Choir. All grade levels are able to join, and it is a great opportunity to sing and meet new people from other schools.

On May 14th, the choir will be having their last Spring concert at 7:45. The choir is also going on a trip on May 16th to Valley Fair. The choir is going to perform a few songs in front of many people at the theme park.

After reflecting on the past year, the best part about the choir is how everyone always brings a positive attitude out of the choir room.

Show Choir

The St. Croix Central Choirs Have Taken The School By Storm

By Maxwell Larson

This school year has been a significantly great year for the St. Croix Central Choir. Without the dedicated students, the success would have been significantly lower. That being said, without Ms. Amanda Arnold, there wouldn’t even have been a possibility to succeed in the way the choir did this year. This being her first year, Ms. Arnold cut no corners when deciding what to take on, including both Men’s and Women’s Chorus, Show Choir, and many other groups and activities. St. Croix Central has had both Men’s and Women’s in the past, but this year was very rewarding for the members, which is especially impressive when being instructed by a first year teacher. To find out even more on both Men’s, Women’s, and Show Choir I interviewed a few important members of the three.

Ms. Amanda Arnold is a first year teacher at both St. Croix Central and in general, although you would not be able to tell based on her hard work, effort, and dedication to the program. When interviewing her I asked a series of questions about her work here and what has become of it. When asked if it is difficult being a new teacher and if so what are the difficulties, she said it is difficult. She had to try and find repertoire (music and supplies) for both Men’s and Women’s Choruses, and trying to find resources for Show Choir with a very small budget. But in the end, she said it was all very worth it and rewarding when seeing the outcomes and success that has taken place. Being a first year teacher can be both difficult and nerve racking, as taking on a position at a new school is hard. The new teacher has to make a decision, whether that is just doing the minimum or going above and beyond. Ms. Arnold decided to go far above and beyond with everything she did this year. She said that getting to see the hard work of the students and the final products have benefited her and made it so extremely worth it. She shared a few of her favorite things about the ensembles, like how the men’s Chorus makes her smile every week and that they are there for the right reasons, which makes it so much more special. One of her favorite parts of the year was seeing the show choir grow and get better with the choreography and being able to pull off all the hard work in the end. Being the choir director for four different groups leaves you with a lot of songs worked on at the end of the year. A few of her favorites from this year are “You Make My Dreams” by Hall and Oates and “Dream On” by Aerosmith from Show Choir; “Evermore” by Josh Groban and “Riders In The Sky” by Johnny Cash from Men’s Chorus; and “Bambulele,” arranged by Will Lopes, and “Dancing Queen” by ABBA from Women’s. When asked if she was excited for next year, she said yes, she is excited for Show Choir auditions, being able to actually pick who is in show choir, and knowing what to expect and what she can work on for Men’s and Women’s Choruses.

Robyn Pfeiffer is a senior and has been in the Women’s chorus since her freshman year. This years Women’s Chorus consists of; Robyn Pfeiffer, Vanessa Denton, Cassie Wang, Madeline Ford, Olivia Boyd, Jazi Geiger, Kolbi Juen, Kenzie Smerz, Kaylee Muller, Chelsea Zielsdorf, Anna Gunderson, Ellie Fraser, Emma Knospe, Grace Myer, and Kathryn Mohrhauser. Although this has been a successful year for the group, many of the girls have had more conflicting schedules than in past years, leaving less practice time for the group. The girls haven’t been able to grow as much together, but hope to in the years to come. Robyn’s being one of the only freshman in Women’s her freshman year allowed her to make many upperclassmen friends, which helped her to gain confidence and perform at higher levels than her classmates. When interviewing Robyn she said that the group can be challenging for those who have conflicting schedules. Some of the participants have to juggle other classes, making it hard for them to make it to every rehearsal. That being said, she and the other girls have still really enjoyed Women’s Chorus. One of her favorite pieces she has performed in Women’s was a German song about the devil that she sang freshman year. When asked if she would do it again, given the chance, she said she definitely would. Overall Robyn has greatly benefited from being a part of this group and would recommend it to any female that is considering joining.

Brady O’Brien is a freshman and this is his first year being in Men’s Chorus. The members of Men’s Chorus consist of Chris Harney, Riley Hackbarth, Jared Tritz, Maxwell Larson, Scott Lyon, Brady O’Brien, Joey Sauer, Christian Schmitz, Austin Albright, Jeremiah Hubbard, Logan Moredock, Jakob Eggen, and Cougar Holder. When asked if being a part of this group is challenging, he said while it is slightly challenging it is not incredibly hard. Being in this group has provided him with both a positive experience and environment. He said he has been able to make new friends and meet new people as a result of being in Men’s Chorus. He hasn’t been part of the group for a very long time but has already been able to separate his favorite tunes from the bunch, choosing the song “Make Them Hear You” from the Ragtime Musical as his favorite. He is excited to be a part of the group next year and the many years to come.

Kolbi Juen, who was a part of the show choir this year, is a sophomore. The members of show choir are as follows Kolbi Juen, Jazi Geiger, Robyn Pfieffer, Ellie Fraser, Kenzie Smrz, Kathryn Mohrhauser, Emma Knospe, Christopher Harney, Maxwell Larson, Riley Hackbarth, Brady O’Brien, Lance Queen, Jared Tritz, and Scott Lyon. Show Choir has provided Kolbi with multiple benefits in many different aspects. She has been able to improve her dance skills and even learn some new moves because of the large factor that dancing plays in Show Choir. Being in a group like this with fewer members than in a regular choir requires you to get to know the other members better. Kolbi has made closer bonds and gotten to know her classmates remarkably better by being involved in groups likes these. When asked about the challenges of Show Choir she said that the main challenge was learning the routine (dance moves) right away. She said she spent countless hours perfecting the moves but in the end it paid off when she was able to correctly perform each and every move. When asked about her favorite piece from Show Choir she said that “The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson” was her favorite, she especially enjoyed the dance moves and the fun, flirty feel of the piece. Auditions for next years show choir are being held May 23rd and 24th from 3:30 to 4:30 and 4:30 to 5:30 each night. Kolbi has already signed up and is looking forward to the auditions, hoping that she will kill her audition. For the most part she has had a positive experience with show choir and hopes to be able to be a part of the group next year as well.

Between the three choruses, Men’s, Women’s, and Show Choir, there have been a generous amount of accomplishments. Ms. Arnold’s first year as a choir director has been a huge success, and St. Croix Central cannot wait for the many years to come.

SCC Receives Grant for the Auditorium

By Kolby Hodnefield

Auditorium manager, Randy Pfeifer, received a grant for St. Croix Central Community Auditorium. This grant will be used both to expand the collection of lighting fixtures, but more importantly to help other students learn how to operate the equipment. Randy’s five year goal is to “develop the technical theater program such that students are exposed to a variety of technical theater disciplines. This includes exposure to multiple lighting fixtures and consoles, VectorWorks for designing lighting and stage plots, sound engineering and mixing, staging and rigging, laser safety and control, and production show control.” Throughout the course of the 2017-2018 school year Randy held technology labs in the auditorium. At these labs students learned a variety of software used in the auditorium including the Hog 4 lighting software, ETC lighting console, and the sound board. With this grant Randy was able to get new lighting fixtures, some ETC Widgets (the piece of hardware that converts the computer signal into a signal the lights can read) as well as some of the cables and hardware needed for the new fixtures. The equipment received from this grant had a value of ten thousand dollars.