Cabaret is an annual end of the year choir concert and celebration held at West. It’s essentially the final farewell for seniors in the choir program, as well as a chance for younger members to shine in their performances.
Cabaret differs from traditional choir concerts in the sense that it is more lively of a show than some of the other performances that typically feature more somber, sophisticated music. Choir students are more able to let loose and have fun during their numbers as a celebration of all they’ve accomplished over the course of the school year.
“Cabaret is kind of different from traditional concerts because it’s more fun, there’s a variety of music and dancing,” sophomore Madelyn Leete said.
Students were given time in class, as well as in their respective choir groups, such as Bella Voce and Choral Aires, to prepare for the performance. However, it is always beneficial to rehearse outside of class time as well.
“It is definitely both [practiced inside and outside of school]. So in class, you get the music, we’re learning the music as a group, but you have to go outside of school and work on the music yourself so that way you can be prepared for class the next day,” sophomore and choir student Kate Zuidersma said.
Additionally, both practicing for and participating in cabaret are great ways for choir members to bond and form long-lasting connections with one another. By collaborating together to put on a spectacular show, each student has to perform their part to the best of their ability and trust that other members will do the same.
“[Teamwork is essential], especially in the choreography because everyone has to be fully committed and put in the work to make it look good,” Leete said.
The night was given the theme ‘New York’, and each of the numbers, in addition to the set pieces, related back to this theme. For example, songs such as “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel and “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel and Tony Bennett were sung. Part of the reason behind the theme was the choir trip earlier in the year where students were given the opportunity to travel to New York.
Many of the seniors were given either solos or duets, coupled with their larger group performances as well. The concert really showcased their talents and dedication to their full extent, and I feel each senior put on a phenomenal performance that was a perfect summary to their time in the choir program at West.
The show was wrapped up by a mini presentation showcasing the choir program’s year. Pictures were shown in a slideshow, and all of the members, with the addition of a few alumni, sang a song that tied in with the bittersweet theme of the night.
“Every year, [we continue] a tradition that started a few years ago; we sing ‘Friends’ at the very end, which is a song that all the choirs sing together. Then, we watch a slideshow with pictures from throughout the year,” Zuidersma said.
