Top Giant Picks: Student Performances
Anna Olshansky
As we enter the crisp season of fall, another exciting chapter of the school year has begun: student performances! Student performances have and will continue to be a notable aspect of Highland Park’s community, having a large impact on both the academic and social lives of many students. So, after asking upperclassmen which performing arts activity was their favorite, we decided to turn to some representatives from these departments to hear their opinions.
Music Department
The music department’s efforts are underway including an excellent Homecoming halftime show and an annual Halloween show enjoyed by young and old. From the music department, we interviewed senior Brylie Weinstein, the drum major and flute player in the HP Marching Band.
What has been your favorite thing to do in the music department?
“Every year, I have looked forward to the beginning of marching season, called band camp. We spend a week outside marching from 9-3, as well as competing in fun band olympics, integrating our newer members, and enjoying the sunshine.”
What more do you want the public to know about the music department?
“I think that people should know that when you join a band, you are automatically immersed in one of the tight-knit and loving groups in the school. There are also many opportunities that come along with adding a band class to your schedule.”
What impact has your arts department had on the school?
“The band nowadays is such a large part of Highland Park! During Charity Drive, we have our annual bake sale, during pep rallies, we play our loyalty song, and there’s a good chance that if you walk up to someone in the hall and ask them if either they or their friends are in a band, they will say yes. We bring community and connections, no matter what other extracurricular activities we may participate in!”
Arts Department
Next up, we take a trip to the visual arts department! As you walk through the halls, students can observe their incredible paintings and drawings. The visual arts department is always working so hard on making the halls of HPHS come alive. We interviewed Lucas Lauer, a senior in AP Studio Art, to reflect on his experience.
What has been your favorite thing to do in the visual arts?
“My favorite thing about being in AP Art has been the ability to make the art work I love making in sizes I’m not able to do at home, and being able to get the experience of making art with deadlines and help.”
What more do you want the public to know about your arts department?
“I would want the public to know about the visual arts is the teachers are truly amazing and so friendly, and everyone should do an art class because it’s such a wonderful experience at HP and like I said the teachers are so friendly and they treat you like family, every single art teacher I’ve had at HP has made me feel welcomed and comfortable in their class. And our school has so many jaw-dropping opportunities in the visual arts and the arts, so take an art class if you can.”
What impact has your arts department had on the school?
“I think my impact on our school has been helping with focus and other art events as well, which I couldn’t have done without the help of the art community and staff at HP.”
Theater Department
Over in the theater department, they just wrapped up their show, You Can’t Take It With You, and are getting ready for S.T.U.N.T.S. in November. We interviewed senior Rachel Bass to help us better understand the theater department.
What has been your favorite thing to do in the theater?
“My favorite one I’ve been in is Mamma Mia, freshman year. It was so fun because, well, there’s so much backseat singing. Everyone just kinda goofed around backstage and sang a bunch, which was really nice.”
What more do you want the public to know about your arts department?
“That it doesn’t come together, like when people are like ‘Oh wow, you’re so talented,’ but like it takes so much time to put it together, and more than you would think, like even if you learn something, everyone forgets it immediately.”
What impact has your arts department had on the school?
“I think theater has made the school a happier place because who doesn’t like musicals and who doesn’t like to go see a play?”
Dance Department
For the final department, we have the dance department. The dance department is preparing for the homecoming halftime show and all the incredible performances they deliver throughout the year. We interviewed senior Zoe Zechman on Poms.
What has been your favorite thing to do in dance?
“My favorite thing has definitely been creating and teaching routines. It’s so cool seeing everyone come together and crush the choreography after all the hard work.”
What more do you want the public to know about your arts department?
“I want people to know that poms take a lot of skill and teamwork. It’s way more than just dancing at games — we put in so much effort to make it look easy.”
What do you think your impact on your arts department has had on the school? “I think I’ve helped bring more energy and school spirit to performances. I’ve also tried to make the team a fun and welcoming space for everyone.”
The data we received from our poll around the school revealed a pretty equal representation of students’ favoritism towards certain departments. It is fair to assume that the music, arts, theater, and dance departments at HPHS are all worthy of attention and consideration. Their efforts to broaden and shape the minds and talents of young performers are always something that will make the school’s community a better place. So, we ask all our readers to consider exploring what the school has to offer, and ask yourself which arts department is your favorite.
