Every year, Cardozo’s holiday spirit is unmatched. Between door decorating contests, spirit days, and shows, the community loves to spread cheerful spirit. Every year, Cardozo puts on their annual holiday show, encouraging students to attend as the music and performance arts students showcase their talents, spirit, and creativity through holiday pieces. The show features a variety of programs such as music and dance.
Teachers and advisors plan maliciously for the show every year. Band conductor Mr. Oberer said that this year he was excited to showcase his group’s high level of music and talent, especially because the show was earlier this year than it usually is. The music teacher claimed that professionalism and good concert etiquette toward each other is important and separates his band from other groups.
Mr. Oberer also shared that despite knowing how it feels to be nervous about a performance, he just wants his students to have fun and that this show is a great way to end the calendar year.
Picking music for concerts can be one of the most challenging parts of preparation. From having to take into consideration interest and parental engagement, choosing the perfect songs for the occasion can be a stressful process. Mr. Oberer has this figured out. Laying his songs out and gauging his music selection based on three main factors: his students’ excitement for a certain piece, how educational a piece may be, and how well parents may know a certain piece of music.
The dance program at Cardozo is also a large part of the holiday show. They have a different approach to the holiday show preparation than music. Dance teacher Ms. Blackwell shared that she takes inspiration from her students’ needs; from their skill level and time availability.
Although skill level can be an inspiration for some, in a group it can also be challenging. Having a group of dancers with different skillsets can be more difficult to coordinate, as you have to take into account what the students are able to do. Their movement exploration, their dynamics, their music and musicality are all different aspects that need to be taken into account. This is to help the artist and choreographer, allowing them to work together and unite so the audience can have their own experience upon final production.
Much like music students, performance arts pieces are not quick to put together, too. This can take up to at most six weeks to complete. Ms. Blackwell explained that usually depending on the skillset of a dancer, they oftentimes practice for three hours a day. But, preparation does not just consist of learning and rehearsing. It also consists of dialogue between the dancers, as well as the choreographer, traveling techniques, context, pre-context, and execution.
Despite all these factors from each teacher, performers reflected that performing is a really exciting and rewarding way to end the calendar year.
First year chorus student and Cardozo junior Nilima said that her favorite part of performing is seeing the audience enjoy the show and being able to put a smile on their faces. She shared before each performance, she feels great; especially with Mr. Goldman’s chorus group.
“It feels more like family than friends,” Nilima claimed. She explained that the most challenging part of preparation is having to remember your music, especially if you’re the type to forget your music. But, she would, “Definitely recommend chorus to a friend, especially if they’re trying to get over a fear. For example, stage fright.”
The annual holiday show at Cardozo was a huge success. We can’t wait to see what they put on next year.
