Timber Creek’s Prism set to be virtual and the band program is prepared
By: Yasmin Mahmoud
Due to COVID-19, part of the school has gone virtual. Not only that but some events and activities have been cancelled. However, Prism has not. Prism is Timber Creek High School’s annual concert, and it showcases live productions from all the performing arts programs including the band program. The show includes freshmen to seniors and will be on December 23 at 7pm. For band, the concert will be virtual this year. The plan is to combine different band recordings for different band classes to create a virtual concert setting still filled with holiday cheer. It will showcase band members in little squares across the screen, playing their own part.
The band had been working on their pieces since around October and practiced hard for Prism. Before Thanksgiving break began, Symphonic Band submitted their video assignments for the concert. Before the video, the actual recording of the piece, African Bell Carol, was submitted. “To prepare for Prism I had to practice my instrument of course. I mean I have been practicing it daily like we’re supposed to but I had to spend a little bit more time coming back to the music and remembering it well enough, not necessarily having to memorize it, but to just memorize the steps and having to play the music and all of that. And then of course I had to prepare for my visual set so that was fun,” sophomore Katelyn Palmer said, a student in the Symphonic Band.
The band directors have also been working hard with the changes. Carey Hoey, one of the Timber Creek band directors stated, “I think this time around we’re all a little more stressed because we have never done this before. The team is very competent.” He further explained, “There is just a whole host of new what-ifs and issues: how do you sync videos and how do you format files and then you have to also get it all in place for a certain date and then when it comes back you have to figure out how critical you can be based on what timeline is allowed for you. It’s just new stresses but I don’t think there’s anything much different than normal, it’s just one percent more stressful because it’s new. New things are always a little difficult.”
Prism is a fun event that is also important for anyone to go and watch. It helps show the different groups’ accomplishments and it’s a nice way for them to give back to the community. Even if you’re not a part of the performing arts programs, you can still come to watch and have a good time. You’re able to watch different people showcase their talents and overall it helps connect everyone together during the holiday season. Christopher Trumbach, a sophomore in Symphonic Band goes on to explain what he thinks is important and special about Prism. “All the other programs don’t really get to work together so it’s a big chance for the music programs, and dance programs, and all of that to work together,” Trumbach said.
This year, the piece that will be performed by the Symphonic Band is “African Bell Carol” by Robert W. Smith. The lower Jazz Band are doing “Angels We Have Rocked the House” which is a mix of jazz and rock by Larry Neeck. Jazz 1 is doing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” the Gordon Goodwin arrangement, and Wind Ensemble is playing “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson. The theme for the virtual holiday spectacular is “The Heart of the Season” and will be featuring the students of Band, Chorus, Dance, Orchestra, and Theatre on a live-stream. The cost will be $5 for streaming only or $15 if you want to stream and download. Visit www.teachtix.com/tchs to watch the Prism performance over winter break. Although Prism can’t be a live performance this year, it will still be filled with holiday joy and togetherness. Though don’t expect another sing-along this year.
