Hill’s performing arts students prepared for the winter concerts hoping to perform in-person with an audience to support them; however, because of COVID-19, they were ready to record their performances instead. As of Jan. 27, the planned performance dates were as follows: jazz ensemble and orchestra, Feb. 4 in the CFTA; dance concert, Feb. 11 in the CFTA; and chorus and HillTones/Trebles, Feb. 18 in the Chapel.

Anna Carroll ’23, one of the leaders in ​​chorus and Hill Tones/Trebles, said, “COVID-19 did affect lots of things, but the biggest part that got affected is the possibility of holding a rehearsal schedule. Even in this difficult situation, the practice is going fluently. So just come to the concert and support your friends.”

Maya Brigandi ’22, one of the jazz ensemble presidents, said that COVID-19 did not change much: “the only difference is wearing a mask; but, besides that, we are on stage; we sit next to each other; we have music; the practice is turning out good; it’s the same thing.”

Last year, because of COVID-19, the orchestra had to record their concert, and “obviously, it does not sound the same. It is not quite great of an experience for somebody who plays. As the preparation gets ready, we would love to have a big audience to welcome us back from break,” Callie Connelly ’22, president of the orchestra, explained. 

Laura Cobbs, the dance instructor, said that the theme for the song is “light.” This light would be “directed to incorporate light and sunsets, through the music or props.”

Cobbs said, “COVID-19 created a challenge in creating content and pattern, since there are people who are having quarantine. Though the preparation was so far, so good. We are hopeful that closer to the recital the class will get full again.”

All sources interviewed said that it means a lot to the artists when the audience shows up and supports them. Stay tuned to Today on the Hill for updates about these performances.