CONCERT: Poly orchestra and theater collaborate for this year’s Halloween Concert.
By Kate Santoso, Staff Writer
Every year, Poly’s orchestra puts on a dazzling show before Halloween. Similarly, Poly’s theater writes, directs and performs approximately six or seven Halloween-themed vignettes for Ghostwalk, which are performed in Downtown Riverside. However, this year, theater and orchestra are working together, creating excitement and joy for the fall festivities.
The Halloween concert is on October 28, a perfect date to kick off the Halloween spirit right before the Halloween weekend. Sections of the orchestra, like first violins, cellos and woodwinds, will promote their Halloween spirit and wear a variety of costumes, unlike the traditional black and white attire for performances. Far from their usual, classical songs, the orchestra will be playing “New World Symphony,” “Jurassic Park” and “Star Wars.” “It is so fun to play songs that kids of our age will recognize and enjoy,” bass player Tiffany Chen (11) expressed.
While the orchestra does their magic to make the music come to life, theater will promote their enthusiasm by hosting a haunted entrance to the concert. Approximately forty student actors and actresses and five theater techs will be involved in this performance. “Theater is an amazing experience because you can be yourself, yet also be able to hop into a character’s ‘shoes’; it is a thrill of a lifetime,” actress Emily Harold (10) exclaimed.
The collaboration of Poly’s music departments is wonderful, because it brings the musicians and actors together to not only put on a show but also represent Poly as one. “One of the best things about being part of Poly Performing Arts is the collaborative nature of what we do. The orchestra concert on the 28th is a perfect example; two different groups work together to create a singular vision and performance,” theater director Chris MarkerMorse expressed.