Company’s First Performance
December 12, 2016
On Tuesday, December 6th, Company of Singers performed their show at the Crystal Community Center for the first time in front of an audience. Their show this year is about fast versus slow and how two different forces come together to make something beautiful.
Senior citizens at the retreat center can sign up for a luncheon and listen to Company sing Christmas carols. This year they sang “The Star Spangled Banner”, “Carol of the Bells”, “Joy to the World”, “Caroling Caroling”, and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. Then they performed their entire show. “In some ways, I prefer this audience because they enjoy what we do more than other kids do. They support us, and some of these senior citizens have watched us for 3 years performing at the Community center.” says Charlie Kroll. The senior citizens are always so proud of what these children do.
But this one performance isn’t indicative of the entire season. At this performance, they don’t feel the pressure of trying to win first place. “It is the first performance of the year. It gives us practice of what we would actually do at a competition and it allows us to show what we may have done wrong so that we can improve for the future,” commented Paige Ross.
This kind of practice, in front a live audience, is what helps them gauge their show and what they need to work on. Even though it is a stressful time they don’t let it get in the way of doing what they love. “My favorite part is just performing in general. When I step on that stage I get such a rush, and I forget about all my problems. The feeling is amazing — Paige Ross
Just like any other performance, they are always finding a way to improve their show. “Overall, I’m very proud of Tuesday’s performance. I know it wasn’t anywhere near perfect and that we’ve got a lot to do before the competition season starts.” Claire Karges, a soloist in this years show, explains that they won’t ever stop trying to make themselves and the group better than the last time they performed it.
The show isn’t just the singers either. Without the 18 crew members and 15 band members, the show wouldn’t run.
Simon Wicks, a two year Company Combo (band) member, says that he thinks the show is in great shape on the band’s end, but there is plenty of room for improvement.
Juliana Eisch said the same thing about the crew. She has been a part of company crew for three years. Last year there were 11 people in crew and this year there are 18. Although it makes it easier, it makes it more crowded, according to Juliana. And with more people comes the ability to have more props and set pieces backstage, which makes space less available. But it is nothing that the crew can’t handle.
Every Company member is proud of what they have accomplished and they are excited to see what is to come with their show.
