A Symphony of Student Talent

The dynamic concert moves between different locations, creating an immersive experience that allows the audience to truly capture every moment. Mr. McCluskey explains, "We draw out a big graph to plan which acts go where, ensuring every student has their moment."

Preparation is intense, with auditions before Thanksgiving and a month to refine each act. Even before auditions, many students are working hard in preparation. As Mr. Buckley notes, "A lot of it is student-driven. Some of our groups either arranged or wrote pieces themselves." 

Performing groups in Winterfest can be solo acts, chamber-type acts, self-written pieces, or self-arranged pieces, or they can be coached by one of the music faculty. The auditions are usually held the Monday before Thanksgiving. Each act receives four minutes to showcase their work, which is then judged by a panel of music teachers who decide which are the most appropriate and prepared. Mr. Buckley and Mr. McCluskey both recommend preparing something related to the holidays, seeking to represent a wide range of cultures in the program.

Winterfest is a product of student initiative and leadership. Beyond performing, students hone their musical and organizational skills—arranging pieces, coordinating with peers, and developing stage presence. "It’s rewarding to hear them adjust intonation and timing on their own," said Mr. McCluskey. This independence builds leadership and teamwork, essential skills that extend beyond music. 

Students also direct, plan, and schedule all the rehearsals. "It involves many musical disciplines; orchestra and band are in the same concert. Plus, we have a number of students auditioning with their own groups and acts that they put together," said Mr. McCluskey. "Sometimes we hear a certain group play, and we like it, but then we might have to augment it with different instrumentation. We have to do a lot of arranging to make certain ensembles fit with the personnel we have and the people performing. So it's not just playing pieces that are prewritten that we can put in front of our brand and do. It takes a lot of extra arranging."

The impact of Winterfest on students goes beyond the performance itself. "The leadership it takes is incredible. It's so good to see the small groups developing. For students to take the initiative and have the drive and ambition to do something on their own is worth way more than the finished product," said Mr. Buckley. "In terms of musical development, playing in small groups teaches you so much about the elements of music, triad management, and character development—how to play well, not just vertically, but horizontally as well."

For students, the excitement of performing in such a unique setting is a learning experience unlike any other. "You could see that they were excited and having a good time. It's one thing when they're performing under the baton of myself or Mr. Buckley. It's another thing when they're out there, the four of them, in the center of the auditorium playing for a packed house. If you like to perform, it doesn't get much better than that," said Mr. McCluskey. 

Whilst Winterfest evolves, the focus remains on keeping it student-centered. "We always strive to improve," said Mr. Buckley. "How perfect can we get it? Why should music be anything less than perfect? How good can we get it? I hope that through that experience, the excellence and the culture of that experience lead to lifelong memories."

With students leading the charge, Winterfest will continue to grow and flourish. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and hard work make the event what it is—a celebration of students' passion and outlet for expression of music. As each new generation steps onto the Winterfest stage, they add their own touch, ensuring the tradition remains alive and vibrant.