Oct 14, the orchestra put on their annual Halloween concert for the schools in the St. Charles school district to come enjoy. This style of concert and costumes tradition was started in October 2023 and has been an event to look forward to since. The theme of Spells and Secrets, was designated this year,  and a new edition was added at the end for engagement.

“This year we added a sing-a-long at the end. We played ‘All Star,’ from Shrek, ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno,’ from Encanto, and ‘Golden,’ from KPop Demon Hunters,” said Amanda Davis, orchestra Director.

The theme of Spells and Secrets inspired a setlist of songs that gave the kids in the audience a taste of a fairytale universe. The songs played included: “Themes from Harry Potter,” “Through the Looking Glass” inspired by Alice in Wonderland, 

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe,”

“Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka, arranged by Moe James and Nolan Day, and

“Kingdom Dance” from Tangled.

The concert was very interactive with the crowd encouraging the students visiting to get up and dance at various parts and interact with the SCHS orchestra. 

“I thought it went really well, the kids definitely enjoyed it … it was probably one of the most exciting [concerts] I’ve had,” said senior Maddie Harmon. 

During the concert there was even a projector that ran scenes from movies the songs were featured in. 

“It makes the performance even more exciting because music is a vital role in these films,” said Davis. 

Many schools in the district were invited to the performance including the elementary schools around. One class that attended was a kindergarten class from Lincoln. Interviewing Miss Politte’s kindergarten class, many kids described their favorite parts of the performance:

“The music and dancing,” Katherine said.

“Singing golden,” Grayson said.

“Seeing Garfield,” Adreil said.

“Watching the instruments,” Benny said.

“Singing golden,” Andre said.

“Singing golden,” Violet said.

“Seeing my mom and my mom really likes Harry Potter and I liked the part where my favorite movie was golden,“ Max said.

“I liked to dance to golden,” Lily said.

“I liked the chocolate movie,” Oliver said.

While this concert was engaging for the audience there were also many musicians who were highlighted to perform throughout Secrets and Spells.

“We had solo viola by Nolan Day and solo violin by Sabrina Villar. We also had a violin duet from Gillian Phillips and Carter Crumble and a viola/cello duet from Delaney Fullerton and Nolan Day,” Davis said. 

Going forward there will be many chances to see the orchestra perform this winter.

“We are planning on performing at Jefferson Intermediate and Hardin Middle School at the beginning of December and our winter concert is Thursday, Dec. 11 at SCHS!” Davis said.