December is a big month for the performing arts programs at FVHS. Band, choir, dance and Student Council all have upcoming winter concerts and events.
The first of these is the Winter Dance Concert, an annual event showcasing the hard work and talent of students in fall semester dance classes. It will take place at 7 p.m, Thursday, Dec. 12 in the Fuquay-Varina Auditorium. Admission is $5 at the door, or $6 if paying online.
“Each dance has its own theme and message for the audience to take different ideas away from,” said FVHS dance teacher, Deborah Gray. “They’re going to get a lot from the concert.”
Preparation for the Winter Dance Concert began at the end of September and features an array of dances, including musical theater pieces or ones with messages surrounding mental health.
“We have been learning, completing and cleaning the dances in order to make them the best they can be,” said senior Jordan Enwereuzor, a student in the advanced dance class. He says his favorite part of the concert is being able to share his art with other dance students.
“Being in the dance program has given me a community to share my expression and creativity,” said Enwereuzor.
The next winter event is the recently announced Student Council Talent Show, Bengals Got Talent. This talent show will take place at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Admission is $5 at the door, or attendees can bring a gift to donate for those in need for humans or pets.
Sign ups to participate in the Talent Show are open now through the Google Form linked in the StudCo instagram bio. Bengals Got Talent seeks to spread holiday cheer as StudCo teams up with the FVHS counseling department with help from our Theatre Department.
At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17, is the Winter Band Concert, showcasing the work put in by band students during the fall semester.
“A lot of the preparation comes from in class rehearsals,” said junior Ansley Mueller. “Mr. Edwards doesn’t just teach us to play the music but teaches us why we’re playing it and all the components that go into it. Individual practice time is just a way to help you get better individually, but what really matters is how we all sound together.”
The arts programs here at school, band included, allow students an outlet to express themselves and find their passions. Performances such as the Winter Band Concert are a chance for students to engage with an audience and reward all of their hard work during their fall semester electives.
“Doing band in high school has had an amazing impact on me,” said senior Aiden Fought. “Despite some hardships along the road, I’ve decided to pursue music performance professionally in college.”
The final performing arts event of 2024 takes place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19. The winter Choral Concert is free admission for all that wish to attend and features work from Beginning Men’s Choir, Beginning Women’s Choir and the honors Chamber Choir.
“I‘m really excited to see how our months of rehearsal pull together and see our hard work pay off,” said senior Naomi Grace Tate, a student in the Chamber Choir. “My favorite part of the concert is being able to sing with the people I love and create something beautiful with them to show to others.”
The FVHS Choral students began preparing for the concert as soon as their last one ended at the end of October. Since then, they have worked on technique as well as many new pieces that they are very excited to showcase.
“We have to work really hard to get ready for the concert,” said choir director Tyler Cole. “I’d just like [the concert] to be fun, enjoyable and beautiful. We have some really gorgeous pieces for this concert.”
With December being such an eventful month for performers at FVHS, it’s important to show out and support the arts by attending the abundance of shows and concerts being presented. Arts programs give students a place to discover, build and display their talents.
Senior in the FVHS Chamber Choir, Alyx Tidwell, said, “It’s awesome to see what we’ve been doing in our class time to create something we’re passionate about.”
