Last Wednesday night, Dec. 11, the Clover Hill Performing Arts Department kicked off the holiday season at their second annual Winter Gala. The night showcased performances including the guitar ensemble, band, chorus, orchestra, and theatre.
Chorus teacher Nichole Whitby conducted her choirs at the Gala, and shared her thoughts on the inspiration behind uniting the entire performing arts department for the event.
“This is actually our second [Winter Gala],” said Whitby. “We used to do big separate things in each department and then we all came together last year and decided to do it together.”
Teaming up, Acropolis, Clover Hill’s unisex chamber choir, and New Dimensions, the mixed show choir, opened the night with “Carol of the Bells” by Mykola Leontovich and Peter J. Wikhousky.
Next, Beginning and Advanced Guitar strummed their way into hearts with “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John and Tim Rice, followed with “Canon” by Johann Pachelbel. With Beginning Guitar taking a step back, Advanced Guitar played “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Martin/Blane arranged by Feldstein/Stang.
Bringing some drama, the theatre department made a royal appearance at the Winter Gala with their cast of SIX: Teen Edition. They rocked the stage with “Ex-Wives” from the musical all about Henry VIII’s six wives.
The Percussion Ensemble did not fail to miss a beat in their performance of “Parade of the Penguins” by Stuart O’Neil. Orchestra performed “In the Bleak Midwinter” by Gustav Holst, arranged by Katie O’Hara LaBrie. In addition, Jazz Band brought a smooth holiday twist with “Jazz Waltz of the Sugar Plum Fairy” arranged by Pinkzebra.
Highlighting an incredible pianist, Junior Tyler Radtke performed a “O Holy Night” by Adolphene Charles Adam, arranged by Kobayashi as a solo rendition.
Ending the evening with two medleys, the entire Clover Hill Performing Arts Department, chorus, band, and orchestra came together for a grand finale. They performed “A Festive Christmas Celebration” by John Moss and Audrey Snyder, and “Selections from the Polar Express” by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri, arranged by Paul Murthy and Audrey Snyder.
Sophomore violinist Gianna Micco shared her enthusiasm for “Selections from the Polar Express” by highlighting the joy of collaborating with the entire performing arts department.
“My favorite part was The Polar Express,” said Micco. “I thought playing with band and chorus was super fun. I love having a full orchestra because you can hear everyone’s parts, and it just brings the piece together making it sound whole and complete.”
Clover Hill’s Winter Gala was a celebration of talent and holiday spirit. From powerful voices to dazzling instruments, it was the perfect kickoff to the festive season.
