Portola High’s Vocal Arts Department presented its winter concert, The Spirit of the Season, on Dec. 12 and 13.
“This choir concert was rewarding because you really got to see what the other choirs were singing and the hard work they put into their pieces,” Cantabella member and junior Christine Choi said.
The evening opened with a spirited performance of the holiday classic “Sleigh Ride” by all choirs and the Philharmonic Orchestra, immediately creating a warm, festive atmosphere. With the main holiday pieces composed by John Williams, the concert blended music with cinematic elements including the medleys from “Home Alone” and “Star Wars.”
“I especially enjoyed how the choir created a sense of storytelling and shifted the mood throughout each holiday piece,” Choi said. “This made the concert heartwarming and genuine rather than just being impressive.”
Halfway through the concert, Santa Claus, dressed by John Olivares made a surprise appearance during the performance and tossed candy to the audience, creating a lighthearted mood.
“As soon as Santa appeared, everyone scrambled for the candy, and it was definitely one of the highlights that made the concert unforgettable,” Choi said.
In addition, Princess Leia from “Star Wars,” played by social studies teacher Veronica Grammier, appeared alongside science teacher Anthony Pham in “Jaws” inspired shark costume. As the shark attacked Princess Leia, the unexpected encounter drew laughter from the audience. Following this moment, the advanced choirs performed “Duel of the Fates” from “Star Wars,” shifting the atmosphere from holiday cheer to heightened dramatic conflict according to Choi.
“‘Duel of the Fates’ is a very powerful piece, not only vocal wise, but I also believe the collaboration with the orchestra added the power to the climax,” Choi said.
During rehearsals, choir members largely focused on matching the harmony of their voices and ensuring that each voice is heard according to Cantabella member and junior Natalie Hong. Additionally, students focused on using the same enunciation of vowels, a crucial element of vocal blending and ensemble unity.
“As a choir, we are so focused on getting the correct notes and rhythm that we forget there’s dynamics that can really enhance the experience for the audience,” Cantabella member and junior Natalie Hong said. “We helped each other to make sure that we’re expressing [during rehearsals].”
Despite occurring amidst a busy finals season, “The Spirit of the Season” concert gave choir and orchestra members and performing teachers a chance to pause and celebrate the year-end season together.
“This year’s concert was not only a space to perform music, but it was also a chance to share holiday joy with the audience while escaping from academic work,” Cantabella member and junior Joanne Kim said.
