Note: A version of this article will be published in the 12/13 issue of the Concord Bridge.
Where might you hear kazoos, screams, and imitations of barking dogs? Apparently, at a high school concert.
This is PRISM, a one-of-a-kind annual “non-stop musical kaleidoscope” by the Concord-Carlisle High School Performing Arts Department, which returns to the CCHS auditorium this year at 7 P.M. on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14, in addition to an in-school preview performance during Flex on Friday, December 13.
From classical to avant garde, crooner jazz to film soundtracks, and pop to bluegrass, Director of Bands & Orchestras Christopher Noce describes that this year’s PRISM is “all over the map. There’s literally something for everybody.”
The performances will feature over 40 entirely student-run ensembles and PRISM’s indispensable core program, including band members’ beloved “Treasure Island.” In addition, the fan-favorite Sleigh Ride will cap both evenings – with a raffle at the door to select a guest conductor!
Choral Director Sarah Grina adds that this year’s PRISM will also include more vocalists, along with a festive number highlighting both Combined Chorus and Symphony Orchestra, after last year marked the first-ever addition of chorus to PRISM.
Noce describes that “the most incredible part about PRISM is how… student-led it is.” From the setup to the transitions, “the execution of the evening is really driven by students,” he explains, a notable contrast to “traditional, director-programmed” concerts.
Whether it’s choosing repertoire, finding arrangements, or coordinating practices outside of regular classes, students’ “creativity and enthusiasm” are always visible throughout preparations for PRISM, says Noce. “It’s inspiring to see so much passion and drive… and [the] different flavors of interest and ability that [are] on display,” Grina agrees.
PRISM is frequently referred to as “the highlight of the year” by students like Sarah Jonczyk (’25, Violin), who says that PRISM’s “freedom [to pick] which pieces to perform” leads to “so much passion behind each performance.” As Mariana Cadavid (’25, Trombone) describes, “[taking] rehearsing into our own hands” for PRISM may look like “[getting] up early so we can practice a [rock band] group before school starts [and staying] later after school to rehearse a Super Mario group.”
Ranai Shah (’25, Trombone) similarly loves “organizing groups and parts ourselves, focusing on what we want to improve, and performing with our closest friends.” But he admits that “rehearsals can be tedious, especially if you are in 10 to 15 groups.” (Shah is in 16!) Still, the student musicians affirm that it’s well worth the effort: the final performances, marking the culmination of weeks of preparation, are “gratifying and magical, especially with the holidays right around the corner,” says Cadavid.
According to Emma Peacock (’26, Saxophone & Chorus), “all [of] the hard work and time” invested by student musicians allows audiences to witness “what tons of kids who love music actually want to be playing and putting work into.” Celeste Pinto (’26, Chorus) adds that PRISM isn’t simply a “rewarding experience” to participate in, but it’s also “a great opportunity… [to see] so many talented people put together their own performances.”
A number of student musicians double in another area of PRISM’s student leadership: lighting and stage management, which are both fully student-run. Lighting director Lincoln Green (’25, Saxophone) calls the experience “a unique but fun challenge” that requires lighting areas “that are not meant to be lit” – for instance, the very back of the auditorium. He adds, “We hang a plethora of practical and specialty lights to add color,” alongside other effects that include Christmas lights and PRISM’s iconic bubble machine.
From the behind-the-scenes to the stage, PRISM is no small or easy feat. Grina notes that the timeline of PRISM poses a particular challenge given that “everything has to happen pretty quickly once we come back from Thanksgiving break,” which was later than usual this year. Still, students have only been all the more eager to create memorable – and merry – performances, whether it’s through their instruments, voices, or kazoos.
Visit ccinstrumental.org to purchase tickets for the 2024 PRISM concerts at 7 P.M. on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Sales will continue at the door, but audience members are urged to purchase in advance before they sell out!
All photos courtesy of Xavier Mercado, son of Cameron Mercado, CC Custodian.
