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Brianna Tang

Fine and Performing Arts teacher Olivia Goliger conducts during the Fall Chorus Concert on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

After over a year of no performances due to the pandemic, the choral groups held their first Fall Chorus Concert on Thursday, Oct. 27 in the auditorium. 

The choral groups have faced unique challenges due to COVID-19 restrictions. At the start of the 2020-2021 school year, singers were only allowed to hum, and were eventually allowed to sing for 30-minute intervals at 10 feet apart, facing forwards. This year, they are allowed to sing without formation restrictions, as long as they are three feet apart with masks. 

“The changes this year have made a huge difference, even in their willingness to sing,” Fine and Performing Arts teacher and chorus director Olivia Goliger said. “Being three feet apart feels much closer, and it has made a big difference for the rehearsals.” 

Although they weren’t able to sing as much last year, having extra class time allowed Goliger to foster closer relationships with her students. 

“I feel like I walked into this year with an individual relationship with each of the singers,” Goliger said. “It certainly helps when you’re trying to do something people haven’t done in a long time.” 

Going into the concert, both the performers and Goliger alike faced nerves and excitement about finally being able to have a concert. 

“There are some nerves and a lot of emotions as we are heading into the concert, but I’m really proud of the kids and how far they have come,” Goliger said. 

For the seniors, the concert was their first performance since sophomore year. 

“[I’m] so excited,” senior Juan Benatuil said. “This is the first time we’ve had a concert since sophomore year, and it feels good to finally be able to perform.” 

With one exception, all of the songs the groups performed are new songs they have been preparing since the start of the school year. The concert ended with “The Road Home” by the late Stephen Paulus, performed by all of the choir groups together. 

“[The concert] was challenging but we got it done,” senior Caroline Freeman said. “I felt like we really performed today and embodied the spirit of the concert.”