By Crystal Hayduk
If listening to impressive music from a variety of genres performed by young, hard-working musicians is just the thing to break winter’s grip on your spirit, then plan to attend the second annual Collage Concert on March 14.
The concert features Chelsea High School students performing in a number of curricular and extra-curricular groups. This includes the full music classes of men’s and women’s choruses, concert and symphony bands, and concert and chamber orchestras. Audience members will also hear Chelsea House Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Co. C.
Specially selected soloists and small ensembles, such as a barbershop quartet and a jazz ensemble will round out the show.
The concert is a true musical collage, as one song flows into another without a break, despite changing genres and moods. The performance lasts for 100 minutes without an intermission.
Because last year’s debut concert was so popular that a matinee show has been added this year.
According to Steve Hinz, the district’s vocal music director, a mid-afternoon performance was chosen because daytime permits safer travel for senior citizens and may better suit families with children.
Reserved seat tickets are available at Chelsea Pharmacy or at the door for the 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students/seniors over 60, and free for children six years and under.
The event is a fundraiser for the Chelsea Music Boosters.
Hinz said that the boosters exist to heighten the experience of music students in fifth grade to graduation. “They provide grant money for guest artists and clinicians, specialized instrument section teachers, choir accompanists, and solo and ensemble coaches,” he said. “They also subsidize trips to see live concerts, shows, and operas; along with many other opportunities.”
The Collage Concert has become one of the music program’s favorite affairs. “It gives our students a chance to shine in a concert that highlights the depth of talent in all three disciplines of music study,” said Hinz, adding, “The audience will enjoy a wide variety of music that comes to them from every corner of the auditorium. It’s almost like a guessing game to anticipate what might come next in the concert.”
