Every year at Hughson High School, numerous events are hosted to both the public and the community in terms of the performing arts programs. Whether it be drama plays, choir performances or band concerts, Hughson’s community gets a wide variety of beautiful arts to see around every new corner they turn. Around this time, during the coldest seasons of the year, Hughson High School’s band and choir are hosting the 2024-2025 Winter Concert. This year, the concert is being held on Tuesday, December 10th at 6:30 pm in the Ella Webb Theater.
Seeing this concert from the perspective of someone who sits on the stage, heartily clutching to everything they have ever loved while staring at the paper sheets they have spent hours trying again and again to learn is a very unique experience. To add on to that, being the person to direct all of the passionate players is yet another perspective to take into consideration. The HHS Band Director, Katye Maki, spoke about how excited she is for the upcoming concert, stating, “I feel very excited about our upcoming Winter Concert! Each year as the concert date approaches, I find myself and my students very motivated to work hard to put on the best concert possible!” Maintaining motive as well as determination is a very important aspect to musicianship that is passionately shown through the performances that the HHS Band is featured in. Maki mentioned that there would be a very special feature in the concert where the audience can also portray their passion for music and spread the holiday spirit through a Holiday Sing-Along with the choir and band. There is something truly unique about the unity of people, especially during the times of the holiday season. With the aspect of unity in mind, Maki shared her favorite part about the concert, stating, “My favorite part of the concert is seeing all of my students dressed in their best, showcasing their talents and hard work. Concerts feel like a celebration bringing so many different people together in peace and joy. I often reflect on how music and the arts are especially unique to humans – music and art exists and endures in every culture. It is always a pleasure to spend time making music and enjoying the company of our friends, family and community.”
Along with the difficult job of being a director, being a performer during the concert is exceptionally difficult in its own ways as well. It is notably hard for musicians to harness the talents they possess; whether you are experienced or not does not apply to the difficulty of the commitment to a truly wonderful performance. Students like Sarah Pamintuan who have just started out with their musical learning experience find themselves in unique situations when it comes to the aspect of concerts. Sarah commented that she feels fine due to the fact that she has performed in other concerts before this year. Although, Sarah also stated that, “I don’t think I’ve practiced enough, but when I don’t know a certain part I still try to play or at least pretend to play.” Putting in the effort is a large part of making a concert successful and fun for both the audience and performers. Not only that, enjoying a piece of music and putting feelings into it is also very vital to the experience. Sarah commented that the song she is looking forward to playing the most is the Beetlejuice theme, which was picked with the idea of holiday variation in mind to give a little spin on the Christmas-themed show. Along with that, Sarah also stated that her favorite part of the concert itself is playing a classic holiday song known as Sleigh Ride.
Performing for a crowd is never an easy task, but it is an experience that can be loved by all and enjoyed by the masses when done with gentle precision. Music unites people. Whether you are in choir, band, or simply directing the musicians, the experience of music is a joy to all who are truly invested in it. This year at the 2024 Winter Concert, the HHS Band strives to inflict the feeling of joy and unity between the community of Hughson through happy, holiday-themed entertainment.
