By: Isabelle Yang, Staff Writer
On Friday, December 8, the Mills music department, including the band, orchestra, jazz band, and choir, put on their annual winter concert. They performed numerous musical pieces on the grand stage of the auditorium. The talented students showcased their hard work and dedication from this semester, playing holiday songs and more. They performed again on Friday night, putting on a captivating concert for family and friends.
Every student has worked incredibly hard to make one of their biggest performances of the year a success for their audience. Lana Levison (12), the music department’s co-president and member of the jazz band, conveys that they hoped to create a fun experience for the students watching the concert for the first time. Levison states, “It gives the students a chance to really experience what Mills Music is, both performances and audience alike.”
Although it might appear to be effortless on stage, Levison explains how the music department rehearsed daily as a whole and in sections, with extra practices planned by musicians to “perfect their pieces.” All of which, the music leadership coordinated to ensure every group and section could do their parts effectively.
In addition, they connected with the Mills Musical Arts Group (MMAG) to assist with student input and news. Outside the music room, the department had also advertised the event throughout Millbrae, welcoming the community.
As a result, the music department’s commitment to diligently practicing and rehearsing paid off, including during the school assembly. Bianca Santos (11), president of the orchestra, highlights, “I think we had practice at the assembly so the transitions were smoother at the night show.” Furthermore, Levison adds, “…we were able to estimate how much time everything would take…” showing how helpful the school assembly was.
Transitions were also one of the challenges that the students faced during the shows. Santos describes the behind-the-scenes challenges, “I think all the moving parts [and having] certain people doing certain things so everybody’s not crowding [around].”
Additionally, another challenge was managing rehearsals for the numerous acts they were performing. Levison elaborates, “…we did have a lot of smaller acts and music in the lobby, and then we had our big concert acts.”
Despite these challenges, the performance met expectations for the music department and its audience. They also mentioned that multiple teachers and parents complimented them following the performance, which they appreciated. The next concert will be the spring concert, which the music department will start preparing for after winter break.
