Practice, nerves are major hurdles in musical concerts

Band, orchestra, and chorus all held successful concerts in December, a longstanding Sevier tradition. Sevier’s music programs had to practice throughout the first semester to prepare for their holiday concerts.

“We have been rehearsing our music in class every day since October,” Rachel Cinnamon, the orchestra director, said.

Alex White, the band director, agreed.

“We are preparing by playing music everyday in-class,” he said. “We also hold some special rehearsals, as well.”

Preparing a concert takes a lot of practice. That can mean putting in extra practice time outside of class.

“Yes, to be good we practice as if we don’t want to be left behind,” Elsie Cross, a sixth grade orchestra member, said.

Sylas Moore, a sixth grade singer in chorus, agreed.

“If you don’t use your vocals every day, your voice won’t be ready,” he said.

There are many struggles when preparing for a concert. The music program members were asked their biggest challenge when practicing.

“We have a new difficult song called ‘Dreidel’,” Cross said. “We also started using bows.”

For Moore, the nerves are a much bigger challenge.

“It is hard to calm them, but once you start, it is easy,” he said.

The music directors were asked their favorite songs from the concerts. The orchestra director, Mrs. Cinnamon said,

“Each one of our pieces holds a special place in my heart but my favorite this year is ‘Shed a Sweet Light–S’vivon with Hanukkah, O Hanukkah’,” Cinnamon said. “It’s a Hanukkah song arranged for string players and is fast in 2/4 time with lots of accidentals, so it’s super challenging for my 7th and 8th graders.”

For chorus director Annie Griffith, it’s a different tune altogether.

“I think my personal favorite is ‘Children Go Where I Send Thee’,” she said. “ It’s very jazzy and kind of a really cool gospel feel.”

The three music directors try to support each other and their students any time they can.

“I think supporting our Choir and Orchestra, along with other ensembles in our community, is very important,” White said. “It’s also a perfect cheap date.”

Cinnamon agreed.

“As a musician, December is a very busy month,” she said. “Within a 2 week time span, I will have 7 concerts, recitals and performances that I am responsible for. That doesn’t leave me much time to be an audience member, but I always try…”

After all of the time and effort spent practicing, the directors were pleased with their students.

“My favorite part was watching how excited and proud our 6th graders were after the concert,” White said. “They felt like rock stars performing for thousands of people at Meadowview and it helped make them very excited to keep getting better.”

Then there’s the audience interaction.

“Every year we end the concert with the Orchestra playing ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ and the audience sings along with us,” Cinnamon said. “It’s a special moment.”

All three music programs share support from the school system and the Kingsport community.

“I think that music is a great way to bring people together,” Griffith said. “It’s something that, even if you’re having a really bad day or it’s just not been the best experience or opportunity, music is something that just brings people together and is kind of a communal experience overall.”