Glen Rock Winter Instrumental Concert
The Glen Rock Winter Concert brought together nearly a full auditorium of families and friends on the evening of December 10, filling the room with festive energy and an impressive show of musical talent. Students in grades 6 through 12 were directed by Anna Lilikas and Matthew Peterson. The night truly displayed the months of dedication, discipline, and hard work through each of the 14 songs performed.
The middle school strings orchestra opened with “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music, a calm and gentle introduction to the performance. This was followed by their second piece, “Dragon’s Revenge,” which brought a striking feeling of suspense and controlled chaos. Moving onto the 6th grade band, they boldly performed “Dragon Slayer” and “The Tempest,” and even featured new instruments. Daniel Corey played the French horn and Adriano Guillermo conquered the tuba, adding a fresh sound to the ensemble.
Finishing the middle school’s section of the show, the 7th and 8th grade band truly showed the audience what they were capable of. They played “Saxes We Have Heard on High,” “Chasing Sunlight,” “Celtic Air and Dance” and “Feliz Navidad,” adding holiday energy to the performance.
As the show went on, high schoolers now took the stage. The 10-student high school chamber orchestra performed the theme from “Jurassic Park” and “Tanc Furioso.” Following this, the high school band nearly filled the stage, playing “Triumphant Fanfare,” “Terracotta Warriors,” and “Sleigh Ride.” These songs consisted of 13 different instruments, pulling everything together into what sounded like a movie soundtrack.
Both the middle school and high school band performed pieces that challenged the students beyond their usual level. Peterson stated he picks pieces that are “music for your feet, brain, and heart,” meaning they’ve got a beat and are easy to tap your feet to, which the audience certainly responded to throughout the night.
Finally, closing the show with a bit of holiday spirit, the middle school and high school collaborated in playing “Jingle Bell Rock”. Students moved onto the stage for the first time all together, which was a challenge but was successful! Students flooded the stage as the audience clapped in unison for the finale.
Glen Rock Choir Winter Concert
By the time the final song ended and the last stomp echoed through the auditorium, it was clear to see the Glen Rock Winter Choir Concert was more than just a performance, but it was a night that brought together students, families, and alumni through music. On the evening of December 10, students from grades 6 through 12 filled the stage and delivered a concert that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
The middle school opened the night with confidence as 6th graders performed “California Dreamin” by The Mamas and the Papas, impressing the audience with strong harmonizing from all 27 students on stage. They followed with “Songs of Freedom,” a patriotic piece that featured high pitched vocals and a standout solo. 7th and 8th graders then took over with “The Rainbow,” a poem set to music with three solos, and another winter inspired piece that continued to show the exceptional amount of talent these students hold.
A fan favorite part of the night came with “Disney Dreams to Share,” a combination of well known Disney songs. The choir blended pieces such as “A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes,” “A Whole New World,” “I’ve got a Dream,” and “Into the Unknown.” The smooth transitions and tight harmonies drew smiles and applause from the crowd, making it one of the more memorable portions of the night.
The tone shifted as the high school choirs took stage. One of the most powerful performances was “Let Me Fly,” an African American spiritual about hope, freedom, and the desire for a better life. With 35 students singing together, the harmonies were rich with two standout solos by Maggie and Flora, their voices carrying clearly through the room.
Advanced ensembles continued to raise the bar. An all female choir layered their voices beautifully, highlighted by a moving solo from Frannie. The Chamber choir followed, filling nearly every inch of the stage while performing a challenging Russian piece known for its slow tempo and demanding vocal control.
The concert closed with a meaningful finale that brought current students and choir alumni together. The song had not been used as a Glen Rock finale in over 40 years, making the moment especially powerful. Students took the time to thank Mr. Helder, the director, for his dedication. Calling him an icon whose influence will continue long after the music ends.
