Performing Arts Department plays final concerts of year

By Dylan Fair
Staff Writer

Mira Costa choirs performed their last concert of the year, titled “There is Sweet Music,” on June 4 while the band performed the “Pops” concert on June 11.

Choir

The concert featured all four of Costa’s choirs, led by choir director Michael Hayden. Concert, multi-cultural, advanced women’s, and vocal ensemble choirs performed a two-hour set.

“The two concerts were one of the most musically moving experiences I’ve ever had,” Hayden said.

At the performance, concert choir performed three compositions, highlighted by “He Will Remember.”

“The choir concert was an enthralling event that ensnared my senses, involving me wholly in the songs and the experience,” junior Katie O’Reilly said.

Multi-cultural choir performed songs including “Hush! Somebody’s Callin’ My Name” with solos from seniors Spencer Greller, Kristian Keith, Cameron King and Sarah Mitchell.

Advanced women’s choir performed “Dies Irae,” along with an interpretation of Mozart’s “Turkish March.” Vocal ensemble sang tracks from the opera “Carmen.”

“These choirs have worked so hard all year long to get to where they are now,” Hayden said. “They are some of the most exceptional choirs I’ve had in school.”

Band

Concert band started the night with a tribute to the band Journey and continued with songs by Michael Bublé and from the movie “Mulan.” Jazz band then performed tracks from “Hunting Rabbits” and songs from “The Simpsons.”

As the concert continued, the symphonic band took the stage and played music from “West Side Story” and “Fantasmic.” As the band finished, wind ensemble played music from “Star Trek,” “Up,” and “Star Wars.”

“I think that the concert our best performance of the year,” junior clarinet player Chris Bickel said.

Costa’s bands also offered multimedia effects including lights, videos, and fog. Hayden, orchestra director Peter Park and Joel Carlson took place in a mock “light saber” duel to end the concert.
“All of the groups were in top form. We did a lot of extra things such as video and light effects that brought the show to life,” Carlson said.