As the lights slowly dimmed in the Carlmont Performing Arts Center (PAC), students in the drama, choir, instrumental music, and dance programs prepared themselves to appear on stage for the Performing Arts Showcase. Held on Friday, Oct. 13, the showcase was a fundraiser to attract more attention and support for these arts programs.
With almost all of its tickets sold out, this show included students performing their scenes, songs, and dances and a game put on by the Carlmont Improvisation Team. Meanwhile, during intermission, the Carlmont Jazz Ensemble performed outside, adding to the ambiance as audience members snacked on courtesy desserts.
Students and teachers have been constantly preparing for this showcase, using skills such as listening, collaboration, and diligence in practice. They rehearsed and practiced every day during class, ensuring a successful performance. Jordan Webster, the assistant director of the Instrumental Music Program, has been preparing her students to showcase their musical abilities.
“It’s not ‘We are an orchestra that just prepares for concerts.’ No, we’re preparing for a life of music and being involved and engaged with music,” Webster said.
“It’s not ‘We are an orchestra that just prepares for concerts.’ No, we’re preparing for a life of music and being involved and engaged with music.” — Jordan Webster
This fundraiser highlights the work and improvement the students have made in the past few months. Showcasing these skills raises awareness for these programs and defines the importance of the performing arts and the passion of these students.
“Hopefully, [the audience] will get a perspective on the many facets of the drama program, and it’s going to encourage them to come see our work again, support our work,” said Elizabeth Berg, the director of the Carlmont drama program.
By gaining more support for these performing arts, students in programs such as drama are able to continue their learning of artistic, social, and musical skills.
“I think it fosters a different kind of learning and helps with empathy, work ethic, and confidence,” Berg said. “It helps develop well-rounded artists and individual people.”
As students performing artists, they can experience this learning first-hand. Scotty Harrison is a sophomore and has been in the music program for two years. He currently is a tuba player in the Carlmont Symphonic Band and performed in the showcase with the Carlmont Symphony Orchestra as a guest musician.
“It’s something for me to put my free time into and a community activity with my friends,” Harrison said.
Junior Claire Lee has been in the Carlmont choir for three years and performed in the showcase. The choir is the highlight of her day and has been a meaningful aspect of her life.
“Singing always helps bring up my mood. Choir is just such a nice community. Getting together and knowing everyone is always so much fun,” Lee said.
The Carlmont performing arts programs continue instructing artistic skills and spark passion among these artists and musicians. As students continue to rehearse and fine-tune their acts and music, the upcoming Winter Concerts and the Fall Play will allow them to showcase more of their skills and artistic capabilities.
“[Performing arts] is fundamental to being a human and being a person in the world,” Webster said.
