Student shares insights on Holiday Spectacular

Guest Columnist Olivia Burkholder

Ever since I was little, I looked forward to coming to Carmel High School to be in choir. Watching Holiday Spectacular every year always put me in awe, and ever since then, I imagined becoming a part of it.

Now I am about to participate in my third Holiday Spectacular, and before going on stage, I always think of when I was a child. I imagine all of the children who are watching, amazed that Santa is there right in front of them, and I perform to those aspiring to someday be in this program.

Though this description of the concert may suggest that preparation for such an event is somewhat magical, a ton of work goes into putting on Holiday Spectacular. Weekend and evening rehearsals take place the week before the five concerts, and the “techies” work extreme amounts of time in order to help the choir kids look good. Choir parents volunteer their talents to sew costumes and build props, and the choir directors have little time to do anything but live and breathe Holiday Spectacular. To think of everything that must be done in order to put on a program this large is mind-boggling, but regardless of that fact, it is the most fun concert of the year for many people.

The pre-performance aspects of the concert are a favorite for some people. The girls do their hair and make-up before everyone meets in the green room. We warm up, run through our songs, and then many choirs have inspirational songs or chants to sing before they perform. This is a time where everyone gets very excited for the upcoming performance.

Another favorite aspect of Holiday Spectacular occurs at the end of the concert when performers walk out of their dressing rooms to see their friends and family. It is always encouraging to hear people’s reactions to the show and be rewarded for the hard work. Then, of course, there is the performance itself. Being on stage, in front of a crowd of people in a full auditorium is more exhilarating than anyone can imagine.

The program order of Holiday Spectacular is similar from year to year. Though the songs, dances, and costumes change each year, the first act is always very upbeat and targeted more towards the kids. Santa comes out in the finale, usually joined by elves and reindeer, and people dance in the aisles as well. However, the second act is more serious. The entire choral department performs at once, lining all sides of the stage. More risers must be added in order to fit everyone into the space.

Though it is very hectic for the performers, the audience loves hearing their favorite holiday tunes, and the image of everyone on stage is impressive. Holiday Spectacular is always exciting to put on, and going to a performance is a great way to support friends or family in the program.

And so, from Wednesday, December 3rd to Sunday, December 7th, I invite you to come to the Carmel High School Holiday Spectacular.