FHHS’ symphonic orchestra and concert choir will join together to perform Vivaldi’s “Hallelujah,” the grand finale of the winter concert, continuing a long annual tradition of classical collaboration between the two ensembles.

The winter concert is an annual two-day event featuring a range of musical ensembles, providing an opportunity for students to demonstrate their dedication and musical growth throughout the year. At every concert, the auditorium overflows with students, families, and guests who come together to enjoy an evening of music and artistry from music students.

The orchestra and choir often perform different compositions. But for the past 17 years, Vivaldi’s “Hallelujah” has been a constant among the winter concerts’ repertoire, ending the concert as the grand finale.

However, it hasn’t always been that way.

“Concert bands actually started the tradition,” Mr. Arzberger, music teacher remarked. Initially started by the band in 2008, the tradition was taken up by the orchestra shortly after, and it became a staple for the winter concert musicians.

“The collaboration with choir is a good experience for the students because it really challenges students to play something original,” said Mr. Chen, the orchestra director.

Students get the chance to play the original piece, composed back in 1741, just like the composer intended. In fact, Mr Chen said that this year, the choir and orchestra will collaborate on three pieces together: “Hallelujah,” “Gloria,” and an arrangement of “Silent Night.”

As they work through these collaborative pieces, learning to balance everyone’s individual sound with the rest of the ensemble is essential for a good performance. Collaborating not only lets students perform with different music groups, but it also teaches them to blend their sound and harmonize, Mr. Arzberger shared.

However, Vivaldi’s “Hallelujah” isn’t the only collaboration that students partake in. In fact, the collaboration between orchestra and choir has been continuing for many years; they have collaborated with famous pieces such as Mozart’s “Requiem,” Carl Orff’s “O Fortuna,” and Vivaldi’s “Gloria.” Students typically rehearse in separate groups, and then eventually rehearse together to practice for the final performance.

Ensemble sizes vary from year to year, but last year’s performance included over 100 students performing side by side, revealing how large the ensemble becomes during the collaborative performance.

That same year, the symphonic orchestra joined with the concert choir and traveled to neighboring Townsend Harris High School to collaborate with their ensembles, offering prospective students a glimpse of high school music programs. Together, they performed Mozart’s “Confutatis” and “Lacrimosa.”

The music doesn’t just stop there.

Every year, along with the annual winter and spring concerts, the school also hosts a yearly talent show, which is open to all students to perform or watch. Pupils at this event have the opportunity to sing, dance, perform with friends, or even perform their own solo.

In fact, according to Niche.com’s student poll, students’ favorite school events are the musical shows and drama performances. This includes events like concerts, Playpro productions, and the talent show. Music is such an important part of the school community, and it makes up a big part of Forest Hill’s school spirit.

However, the reality beyond school is much different.

Professional musicians often struggle with jobs as ensembles constantly downsize their rosters. This makes maintaining a long term job more difficult, and according to ISM.org, they often have less employment rights. However, there is hope.

Earlier this month, a union representing Broadway musicians successfully reached an agreement to avoid a strike. According to the union’s president, Bob Suttmann, the agreement will provide better wages and health benefits to the musicians, allowing them to build a steady career on Broadway.

As it’s a big win for musicians, it will allow them to continue working with benefits they deserve.

Music is such an important part of the school curriculum, and it makes up a big part of our school spirit. “Being a full time musician isn’t easy,” Mr. Arzberger remarked. You simply can’t have a show without them, after all: “It wouldn’t be a musical without musicians!”