The AAHS Chorus and Orchestra programs filled the auditorium with music on Dec. 12, performing a winter concert students’ vocal talent through a variety of songs and ensemble pieces for friends and family to hear.
Students across the music department said the concert brought a mix of nerves, excitement and holiday spirit as they took the stage to perform for a packed audience. For many performers, the winter concert is a meaningful tradition that brings families together while also challenging students musically.
“I was definitely nervous, but overall, the holiday concerts are always usually really fun,” junior Vance Woodring said. “It’s a good time for families to get together and just enjoy the fun music. It’s just fun to play those original songs and just feel the Christmas spirit,”
Woodring also described stepping into a larger role during the performance, which added to the pressure of the night.
“I was definitely nervous because the person who plays the main french horn, which is what I play, was out so I had to take on a new part, and that was definitely scary because I’ve only been playing this instrument for a year” Woodring said. “Definitely a challenge, but overall, pretty good.”
Other students echoed similar feelings of nerves as they performed in front of friends and family.
“I was really nervous, just with all the people looking right in front of me,” senior Gabrielle Filer said.
Despite the nerves, Filer focused on enjoying the moment, especially since it marked a milestone performance.
“Honestly, I just wanted to have fun because it’s my last Christmas concert and just didn’t want to mess up on my solos or anything,” Filer said.
Preparation played a key role in easing anxiety for many performers, including senior Jamin Dong, who felt the group improved leading up to the concert.
“I was certainly feeling nervous because there was definitely some stuff we needed to work on, but I think by concert night, we had fixed most of those problems” Dong said. There were still some problems there, but in the end, it all worked out.”
Dong added that balancing confidence and nerves was part of the experience.
“I was prepared to perform for everybody,” Dong said. “Obviously, it made me nervous for people, including myself.I think I was prepared for it and also nervous at the same time.”
Some students said their nerves varied throughout the performance, but the holiday atmosphere helped keep spirits high.
“I honestly felt like Keith prepared us pretty well for it,” senior Gabrielle Beldin said. “All of us knew our music for the most part. I was a bit nervous for some parts but not really as nervous as I have been for others. I felt like I was going to faint, I couldn’t feel my legs, maybe I didn’t feel good this time.”
Still, Beldin emphasized the joy of performing during the holiday season.
“I was just happy to be there,” Beldin said. “It’s Christmas. I was just ready to sing for people.”
For others, performing on stage was something to look forward to, even with the challenges of blending large groups together.
“I really love being on stage in general, so I was excited for the concert. I knew the songs well, and I was excited to see them put together with the orchestra,” junior Emmalee Martyak said. “I knew that there were songs the whole chorus was a little rough on, but I think it ultimately came together.”
Martyak also acknowledged the difficulty of coordinating with so many performers.
“I was nervous to put everything together with everyone, but I knew that I knew the songs and that’s all I could do” Martyak said. “I think there were a few areas that could have gone better, but overall I think it went well.”
Chorus director Brett Keith, who is adjusting to his role at AAHS, said he has been encouraged by the students’ effort and attitude.
“Honestly, I’m adjusting quite well and I feel like the students have welcomed me very openly and have responded really well,” Keith said. “Even the hardest days are good as we’re still making growth and progress. Every day is just a good day, and everybody’s willing and ready to come to the table.”
Keith also noted how AAHS’s size and emphasis on the arts have shaped his experience.
“Now for me, I taught in two smaller schools,” Keith said. “I was at Northern Bedford and Bishop Guilfoyle and so obviously, very much smaller schools graduating 70 to 80 kids per class. So for me, just the population change, it has been a positive adjustment having balanced voices. I would also say one of the great things about Altoona is that arts and music are very much considered part of the culture, they’re not considered extra.”
