Plans to performance, Prism puts student musicians center stage
The annual winter concert will be performed in the CCHS auditorium at 7 p.m. Friday, December 19, and Saturday, December 20.
“Creative, fun, and a night to remember.”
That’s how CCHS Chorus senior JianNan L’Angiocola describes Acton-Carlisle High School’s annual winter concert, Prism.
“I heard that it isn’t really like a normal concert. It’s really interactive,” says orchestra member Ella Goldberg, a freshman violinist who will perform in Prism for the first time this weekend.
With more than 40 student-led ensembles, “Lots of different groups means exposure to different genres, from classical pop to movie soundtrack, and each group requires different skills and techniques,” explains CCHS Chorus senior Alba Calcedo-Martin. “It’s been enriching to explore those themes with friends.”
Director of Bands & Orchestras Christopher Noce calls Prism, which will be performed in the high school auditorium at 7 p.m. Friday, December 19, and Saturday, December 20, “a super fun and unique opportunity that allows students to choose, prepare, and perform repertoire of their choice.”
Noce emphasizes that being in charge of the program also “means students taking risks and taking ownership.”
Chorus Director Sarah Grina says Prism offers students “autonomy, agency, and accountability” and allows them to perform pieces “that would not be possible in our larger ensembles.”
Students will regale audiences with everything from an a cappella rendition of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” to a flute arrangement of “Beauty and the Beast.” In keeping with tradition, both nights of the show will conclude with “Sleigh Ride,” bringing together musicians from the band and orchestra for a festive finale.
Students in charge
For many performers, the student-guided structure is one of Prism’s biggest draws.
“I’ve always really enjoyed Prism, and I really enjoy making groups,” says violinist Joanna Stearns, a junior in the CCHS Orchestra. “I really like how it’s a student-led performance, so it allows students to have a chance to shine.”
Or as Wind Ensemble senior flutist Sofia Hughes puts it, “It’s made by us.”
Still, this independence comes with challenges.
Scheduling rehearsals has been a major issue. “Everyone’s been really busy around the holiday time … It’s been really hard to gather everyone together,” Stearns says.
Additionally, students devote significant time and effort to preparing for their performances. “It’s been very slow,” says L’Angiocola, “but you get more into it as you get closer to the day.”
Hughes agrees, “It’s a lot of work, but it is really rewarding.”
Grina says there is “more [excitement] than ever from the CC Chorus side,” especially with the “inclusion of more voice-centric acts,” while Noce adds that “there are a lot of new ideas and new students involved on both the performance side and tech side, which adds a layer of excitement and a fresh perspective.”
L’Angiocola says that as a performer, Prism is “fun because I get to gather with others and do our own work.”
Having watched Prism twice from the audience, he says, “It’s really cool to see music fill up all corners of the auditorium.”
Prism takes place at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Acton-Carlisle High School, 500 Walden Street, on Friday, December 19, and Saturday, December 20. Tickets, priced at $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, are available at the door or in advance at ticketstage.com/T/CCHS.
