By Felicity Zhang — CCHS Correspondent
Where might you hear kazoos, screams, and imitations of barking dogs?
A high school concert, apparently.
This is “Prism,” a one-of-a-kind annual “non-stop musical kaleidoscope” by the Concord-Carlisle High School performing arts department that runs December 13-14.
From classical to avant-garde, crooner jazz to film soundtracks, and pop to bluegrass, this year’s “Prism” is “all over the map. There’s literally something for everybody,” says Christopher Noce, director of bands and orchestras.
The performances will feature more than 40 student-run ensembles and “Prism’s” indispensable core program, including band members’ beloved “Treasure Island.” In addition, the perennial favorite “Sleigh Ride” will cap both evenings — with a raffle at the door to select a guest conductor.
Student-driven show
Choral director Sarah Grina says this year’s “Prism” will feature more vocalists, along with a festive number highlighting the combined chorus and symphony orchestra.
Noce says, “The most incredible part about ‘Prism’ is [how] student-led it is.” From the setup to the transitions, “the execution of the evening is really driven by students,” a notable contrast to “traditional, director-programmed” concerts.
Whether it’s choosing a program, finding arrangements, or coordinating practices outside regular classes, students’ “creativity and enthusiasm” are always visible throughout preparations for “Prism,” says Noce.
“It’s inspiring to see so much passion and drive… and [the] different flavors of interest and ability that [are] on display,” Grina says.
“Prism” is frequently referred to as “the highlight of the year” by students like Sarah Jonczyk (’25, violin), who says the “freedom [to pick] which pieces to perform” leads to “so much passion behind each performance.”
As Mariana Cadavid (’25, trombone) says, “[taking] rehearsing into our own hands” for “Prism” may look like “[getting] up early so we can practice a [rock band] group before school starts [and staying] later after school to rehearse a Super Mario group.”
Ranai Shah (’25, trombone) similarly loves “organizing groups and parts ourselves, focusing on what we want to improve, and performing with our closest friends.” But he admits that “rehearsals can be tedious, especially if you are in 10 to 15 groups.” (Shah is in 16.)
‘Gratifying and magical’
Still, the student musicians say it’s well worth the effort; the final performances, marking the culmination of weeks of preparation, are “gratifying and magical, especially with the holidays right around the corner,” says Cadavid.
Emma Peacock (’26, saxophone and chorus) says, “All the hard work and time” invested by student musicians allow audiences to witness “what tons of kids who love music actually want to be playing and putting work into.” And Celeste Pinto (’26, chorus) says “Prism” isn’t simply a “rewarding experience” to participate in, but it’s also “a great opportunity … [to see] so many talented people put together their own performances.”
A number of student musicians double in other areas of “Prism’s” student leadership: lighting and stage management, which are both fully student-run.
Lighting director Lincoln Green (’25, saxophone) calls the experience “a unique but fun challenge” that requires lighting areas “that are not meant to be lit” – for instance, the very back of the auditorium. He adds, “We hang a plethora of practical and specialty lights to add color,” alongside other effects that include Christmas lights and “Prism’s” traditional bubble machine.
From backstage to onstage, pulling off “Prism” is no easy feat. Grina says the timeline of staging it poses a particular challenge. “Everything has to happen pretty quickly once we come back from Thanksgiving break,” which was later than usual this year.
Still, students have been eager to create memorable — and merry — performances, whether through their instruments, voices, or kazoos.
Visit ccinstrumental.org to purchase tickets for the 2024 “Prism” concerts at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, December 12-13. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.
