Huge hair, big jewelry, bright make-up, leg warmers and off-the-shoulder sweaters: hold on tight because the 80s are back and they just wanna have fun.
The Choir Department is performing a themed concert to close the year. They chose to rock out with an 80s theme.
Senior Becca Hamilton is excited to be part of this experience. She thinks the idea is a great one.
“I love it. It’s really fun for the seniors to go out with a bang,” Hamilton said.
This is not the first time the choirs have chosen to do a themed concert.
Choir director Ms. Sandra Hobbs kept the themes coming alive.
“Last year, we did a 70s concert. The kids wanted to move on to the 80s. We have been working on finding 80s music in choral arrangements since last year,” Ms. Hobbs said.
Although the force of tradition had a role in the theme choice, there were other reasons to bring back the 80s as well.
“We wanted to celebrate the songs of our parent’s generation. So this is what we chose to do,” Hamilton said.
This 80s rocking time will be held on May 18 at 2:30 p.m. and May 19 at 7:00 p.m. Various choirs will perform.
“Bells I, Bells II, Bells III, Junior Treble, Varsity, Senior Treble, Concert Choir, Da Capo, Trebleaires and Counterpoints will all be participating,” Hamilton said. “No one is left out.”
Singing is not the only thing to be enjoyed at this concert. The choirs are taking it to a new level.
“We are singing lots of pop songs, some ballads, and we are dancing. Each show choir has a different dance to go with their songs,” Hamilton said.
Though dancing is adding a new element to the concert, the choirs have something else up their sleeves.
“We are going to have two parents, Jef Jarecki and Mark Wilkins, to act like djs. They are going to act as a radio show and announce all of the songs that will be sung. Also, some interesting, facts, fads, products and dances that were popular during the 80s will be announced,” Ms. Hobbs said.
Though the choirs are excited about the ultimate outcome of their concert, getting ready for it was not all fun and games.
“First, we have to get the songs down and memorize them and sometimes that can take a while, depending on the song. Then, we have to work on our dances for each song and our costumes,” Hamilton said.
Every singer in the show choirs will be wearing a different costume of his or her choice for this affair.
Hamilton already has something in mind.
“I’m going as Cyndi Lauper. I think she would be fun to dress as. I’m going to wear the pink dress and hat from her music video, ‘Girls Juts Wanna Have Fun.’ I’m wearing it for Trebleaires,” Hamilton said.
Although Hamilton loved the idea of dancing and singing, she does have a few worries.
“Some of the dances that we do are difficult. I really had to work hard at them to get them right,” Hamilton said. “It took some time but I’m sure it’ll be fine in the end.”
Through all of the hard work, there were some humorous experiences that made it worthwhile.
“I was appointed to make up a dance and everyone knows that I’m not exactly the most graceful person. It was ironic that me of all people would have to make up a dance for everyone to use for the concert,” Hamilton said.
When all of the work is done and the fun is had, there is a level of pride one has for what they have accomplished.
“I’m so proud to be able to experience performing 80s songs and I can’t wait to sing them all. Plus, I’m really looking forward to wearing my costume,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton is not the only person that is proud of this concert.
“I love working with the kids on this concert. They had so many suggestions and their ideas were awesome. Although we could not find some choral arrangements that we wanted, I’m still very proud of them,” Ms. Hobbs said.
The 80s will blast through the auditorium come this May.
All of the choirs will rock out to the memorable songs that represent the 80s decade.