Harmonious voices fill the rotunda. 

For students walking by, it’s an unexpected scene.

For choir, however, it’s preparation for the biennial Winter Extravaganza, where performing arts programs on campus unite. With $10 tickets, attendees can catch the two-day event on either December 17 or 18 from 7–9 p.m.

“Winter Extravaganza occurs every other year and is our fine arts department’s way of unifying together to create an incredible show,” choir director Janson Guillen said. “Many of our programs perform individually and in collaboration. For example, our choir department is collaborating with orchestra and band on two pieces, and our non-varsity choirs will be combining with theatre to sing carols during their “Christmas Carols” scenes. It’s not something that we get to do often, and it gives our students new experiences in performing alongside their peers!”

Each choir class will perform their own pieces with the Bella Voce Choir singing “I See the Heaven’s Glories Shine”, Bel Canto singing, “Beyond Light”, and Cambiata singing, “The King of Love and Grace”. Additionally, choir is combining with band and orchestra for “White Christmas” and “Infinitum”. 

“Preparation for this began in mid-October, right after our Fall Concert,” Guillen said. “We knew there was a lot to prepare for this year, so we began learning this repertoire as quickly as we could, and spend our class periods crafting our music.”

According to freshman Tanvi Thomas, the choir has gotten familiar with their pieces in steps. To start, students go through the pieces with solfege to learn the notes and rhythms. After that, words and dynamics are added. Because of the heavy collaboration of the performance, some things require joint rehearsal to get used to. 

“One interesting thing is that the choir has to learn our cues with orchestra, so it’s definitely a learning experience because it’s gonna be different from the conducting we’re used to,” Thomas said. “We’re having two rehearsals the week of the concert to rehearse it with band and orchestra so I think it’s gonna be a lot different from what we’re doing in class—I think it’s going to be something to adapt to—but it’s a good learning experience for all of us.”

The performance is the biggest fine arts event of the year, and performing in a bigger, multi-program group in and of itself is an experience that students can learn from, for junior Jenna Kim. 

“Extravaganza allows us to work together in ways we usually don’t get to, and we’re able to learn how to work in a bigger group,” Kim said. “I’m really excited! We never really get the chance to collaborate across fine arts groups, so it’s really cool to be able to work with people, especially friends in other classes.”

In senior and choir president Stephanie Okorie’s eyes, the collaborative aspect of Winter Extravaganza is its highlight. 

“My favorite piece is Infinitum with the orchestra and band because it sounds really pretty and has a fun process learning it,” Okorie said. “I’m super excited for my last Extravaganza and getting to share the stage with so many of my friends!”

As a result of the scale of the event, families are often also given a more comprehensive look at all of the performing arts programs on campus—something that can be helpful for future Redhawks. 

“We benefit from collaborating as it gives us and the parents a chance to see all the other things Liberty has to offer that they may haven’t gotten the chance to see yet,” Okorie said. “For younger siblings it may show them a new fine arts they want to participate in when they get into high school. ”