The orchestra roused Halloween spirit at its Halloween Concert on Tuesday evening in the Susquehannock High Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.
Adding to the scary thriller theme of the concert, the musicians donned a wide variety of costumes to accompany the spooky music. The middle school opened the concert with “Dies Irae: Fantasia” written by Deborah Baker Monday followed by “The Evil Eye and the Hideous Heart” by Alan Lee Silva and “Curse of the Rosin Eating Zombies from Outer Space” written by Richard Meyer.
After a brief intermission, the full high school orchestra played “Funeral March of a Marionette” written by Charles Gounod. An audience costume contest for children followed.
The high school orchestra continued with “Psycho (Prelude)” by Bernard Herrmann and edited by Paul Lavender and “Danse Macabre (Op. 40)” written by Camille Saint-Saens and edited by William Ryden.
At the close, both orchestras took the stage playing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
Orchestra teacher and conductor Zachary Levi added that the music contributed to the scary theme and also allowed the students “to let loose a little bit more” with pop orchestra music.
In preparation for the concert, students rehearsed numerous times starting at the beginning of the school year up until dress rehearsals.
Glowing lanterns on the stage, a large spider hanging in the middle of the stage, gravestones, and decorative pumpkins adorned the auditorium to set the ambiance. Haunting music with howling, sawing, and creaking further excited people into the “Spooktacular” theme.
Freshman Kelcie Baker, who has been playing the violin for six years, represented Captain America at the concert and enjoyed playing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
“We went over the music starting at the beginning of the year,” said Baker. “and then we had dress rehearsals on the stage.”
Perhaps an even more experienced musician, senior Billy Myers who plays the bass, also enjoyed dressing up for the concert and playing “Thriller.”
“I like being able to work with others,” said Myers. “and creating something that sounds good in orchestra is rewarding.”
Not only have students recognized all the dedication in orchestra but Levi also commended them on their growth throughout the years.
“I feel the students in the orchestra have a real sense of ownership of the music,” said Levi. “There are a lot of strong leaders in the group, and I’ve tried to give them a chance to step up and take those leadership roles.”
Upcoming orchestra events during the rest of the year include the Christmas concert on Sunday, December 15th, a Chamber Group concert in March, and a spring concert in May.
