On October 24, 2024, the Normal West Orchestra will perform the annual “Hauntcert” in the NCWHS auditorium.
Last year’s theme was “Villains on Strike,” but this year’s theme is “Victory Lap,” an Olympic-themed concert with music from different cultures and countries.
Orchestra Teacher of eight years, and West teacher of four, Kimberly Boehm, says that the “Hauntcert” theme is decided between Boehm and Community’s orchestra teacher: “Originally the orchestra teacher at Normal Community and I talked about doing middle-age Olympics activities,” Boehm explains.
The “Hauntcert” also often has skits between songs: “there will be some entertaining Millennial Olympic skits,” Boehm states.
Boehm, unlike past years, had a lot of say on what the theme was these past two years.
There will be eight different pieces performed at the concert.
The orchestra will be opening with the Olympic Fanfare and theme and then will play “Salute to Mancini,” “the Finale” from Orpheus in the Underworld, An “Irish Party in Third Class Finale” from Overture to William Tell Brandenburg’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and The Beach Boys.
So far, Boehm believes all the ensembles have been making good progress during class.
Last year, cellist, senior student conductor, Joy Rattan conducted “Forrest Gump Medley.” This year, they will be conducting an arrangement of “Overture to William Tell” by Rossini.
Since sophomore year, Rattan has conducted in various performances through the Normal West Orchestra like the Holiday Strings, the school Choir’s Madrigal concert, and Normal West’s new music club, Music al Fine, where they conduct and teach others how to conduct.
“My peers throughout the years have been so supportive from the first time I stepped on the podium to the last,” Rattan says.
Rattan expresses how emotional it is for the “Hauntcert” to be one of the last performances they’ll be conducting.
Despite them saying it’s bittersweet, Rattan says they “look forward to my last large performance as [the orchestra’s] student conductor.”
Rattan explains the unique and wonderful experience of leading your peers by conducting a piece of music: “It’s something I wouldn’t give up for the world,” Rattan states.
Rattan is not the only student who is looking forward to this show. In fact, this particular show is a favorite among many Orchestra students.
For example, student violist, Calvin Beyers is specifically looking forward to the dancing skeletons on screen before the “Hauntcert.”
“I’m feeling pretty good [about the ‘Hauntcert’], I’m feeling (…) confident in the music, and I feel like the viola section is pretty strong this year. I think it will be a good ‘Hauntcert,’” Beyers adds.
Another student, violinist Kinley Yacko, is most looking forward to seeing all of the kids dressed up.
“[The ‘Hauntcert’ is] a lot of work cause there’s a lot of music [and] different songs we need to play, and it’s (…) having to balance sports, the music, and school work together,” Yacko notes.
This year, just like last year, the musical will be announced at “Hauntcert.” However, instead of a video being played, Hillary Hines-Holl, the head director, and Ms. Emma Barth will be a part of a skit and announce the musical.
“I’m very excited for everyone to know that it’s not actually High School Musical 2 and be able to tell everybody what the real show is,” Barth jokes.
Another major perk of the show is that the West staff social committee has organized a family-friendly trick-or-treating event prior to the 6 p.m. show. Normal West staff have been encouraged to bring theri families in their best Halloween costumes to trick or treat and enjoy the show. Anyone in costume will be eligible for a raffle to win various prizes.
Before the 6 p.m. show, the staff social activities will occur in the NCWHS cafeteria.
These activities include pumpkin decorating; (materials and pumpkins provided); Avanti’s dinner for those who RSVP by Oct 18, a raffle for any kids in a costume, and trick or treating . Dinner will begin at 4:45 p.m. and trick-or-treating will begin at 5:15 p.m.
With the excitement that surrounds the “Hauntcert” each year, there is a lot to look forward to. Whether an orchestra student, a returning audience member, or even brand new to the show, the “Hauntcert” is sure to leave the audience happy.
Boehm describes how this year is different from others, “I think this year is different because we have a student teacher Mr. Wong (…), but then the music is different too [because] last year [was] movie-themed.” Boehm looks forward to people not knowing or being less familiar with the pieces since last year’s music was more well-known.
