Sweet safe serenade; choir sings again
Sophie Salem, Staff Writer
From Elton John to Dua Lipa, this year’s Sweet Serenade was like no other! Despite COVID-19 restrictions and limited locations, choir director Jeffe Huls and the Sweet Serenade committee pulled it off with no regrets.
Given that COVID-19 has taken a lot away from the choir students, they were lucky enough to be able to have a concert this year, even though it was outside. The choir students performed outside on the main stairway to the Discovery building with colorful lighting and an outstanding sound system; highlighting each student’s unique voice. Without a doubt, the lighting added to the Sweet Serenade magic. With rotating colors of red, blue, and purple, the entire Discovery quad was lit up from beginning to end.
After a year long intermission due to COVID-19, choir students have been eager to get back on the stage, but unfortunately, this was the last Sweet Serenade for Samo seniors. Choir co-president Johanna James (’22) has truly missed being with everyone in person and is devastated after her last Sweet Serenade performance.
“I feel really lucky to be surrounded by such a talented group of people. I remember having my first solo for this concert in my freshman year and it feels so surreal how fast time has gone by. I couldn’t have asked for a better last Sweet Serenade,” James said.
Co-president Chloe Stavis (’22) feels similar and is incredibly sad that her time with Samo choir is slowly coming to an end.
“It feels like a bittersweet Serenade to me. I am very grateful to have my last Sweet Serenade in person in front of an incredible audience. I’m really proud of the production we were able to put on after a year and a half of distance learning,” Stavis said.
Though this Sweet Serenade was completely different compared to previous years, it is safe to say that it was more than worth it. Choir parents and students worked so hard to put this show together from a raffle at intermission to online bidding through Nov. 7th. The students put so much effort into preparing their voices daily at after school and in-class rehearsals. As more of a pop concert, Sweet Serenade 2021 was like never before and truly highlighted Samo’s talent.
Photo by Gwendolyn Warren