The annual choir concert Sweets and Songs is a concert typically held in the fall that provides the delights of sweet desserts to the public along with free admission. In recent years, the concert has been held in the foyer due to the pandemic but recently has changed to the foyer as the casualties of the pandemic continue to decline. This concert was filled with chill solos and duets, as well as choral numbers that initiated the 2023-2024 year.
The concert started with choral numbers from Concert choir, singing their first two songs of the year titled “Homeward Bound” by Jay Althouse and “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations. Concert choir set the calm mood of the concert with their two relaxing songs which was then followed by a variety of solos and duets. The solos/duets ranged from timeless songs such as “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, to modern songs such as “Cardigan” by Taylor Swift. “It was so cool to hear my classmates perform their songs, and they chose very fun and unique songs too,” Keeton Chen, 11, said. The solos and duets aroused a sense of amusement in the audience, as they regularly cheered loudly and clapped along to many songs, especially to the classic songs to which most of the parents were familiar with. Along with the parents, the choir members of both San Marino High School and Huntington Middle School were also supportive of their fellow classmates, as they cheered vigorously from the balcony of the foyer.
As the thrill of the solos concluded, the Chamber choir showcased their two pieces of repertoire called “The TImes they are A-Changing” by Bob Dylan and “Operator” by Kirby Shaw, which featured Lindsey Segimoto as the soloist in “Operator.” “Since I am a senior and this is my last Sweets and Songs Concert, I wanted to perform a solo to end my final year with a bang,” Lindsey Segimoto, 12, said. Finally, the concert concluded with both Chamber and Concert choir combined to first sing “Choose Something Like a Star” by Randall Thompson, followed by “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers which ended the concert with an exciting and lively hit that many of the audience knew.
The choir program was able to have a successful concert to start off the school year filled with numerous choir events. Because of the variety of songs, there was truly a song featured for everyone’s enjoyment whatever genre that may be. Including the free desserts and admission, this concert was truly one that you would regret missing!
