Introduction:
Let’s be honest, a lot is going on in the music department here at Vestal High School. With our wide array of music courses, performing ensembles both inside and outside of school, and a yearly musical, there’s a lot to keep track of. There are concerts, there are new groups starting up, and there are sure to be many fundraisers that are just waiting to grab your attention. Want the perfect place to be caught up with all such news? Tales From The Music Department is for you. Each month, you’ll go Behind the Curtain to see all the latest news, important dates, information on yearly trips, and just what’s generally going on in our department.
Got your attention? Wonderful.
Let’s take a peek at what’s going on, Behind the Curtain!
Ensembles looking for more people:
The Vestal Xplorchestra is still accepting new people to join our modern pop and exploratory orchestra! Don’t play a traditionally orchestral instrument? That’s alright! There’s a part for everybody. We’ve got members playing anything from woodwind, brass, drum-set, to jingle bells! Interested? Ask Ms. Wilson for the rehearsal schedule or shoot her an email, since everyone uses those!
The Vestal Musical, 1776, is still on the lookout for more members! Missed auditions but still want the chance to be on the big stage? We’ve still got a spot for YOU! If you’re interested in acting, singing, dancing, or just performing in a massive group that’ll grow to feel like your family by the time show week comes around, then the musical might just be what you’re looking for! Interested? Ask Mr. Backus for more information, or just show up to a rehearsal! The schedule is typically Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5-8, with rehearsals bumping up in occurrence as we approach closer to show week.
The Vestal A Cappella Experience is always accepting new people who want to try out A Cappella-style singing! What is A Cappella, you might ask? It’s performing a song without regular backing instruments; all you’ve got is your voice! All music covered is decided by the group, so that means you can genuinely sing anything your heart desires! If you want to grow your singing ability, learn a new skill such as vocal percussion, or just want to try something new for a change, then join the A Cappella Experience! Be sure to ask Mr. Kiley for more information.
Upcoming Concert Dates:
The Vestal Concert and Chamber Orchestra will be having their winter concert on December 11th, 2025. They’ll be performing a curated collection of both classical and contemporary pieces during this performance. It’ll be held in the Vestal High School Auditorium, and all staff and students are welcome to attend! Doors open at 6:30pm and the concert starts at 7:00pm.
The Vestal Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Concert Band will be having their Winter concert on December 16th, 2025. With three groups performing, you can expect a fun and interesting night, including groovy jazz songs and popular music numbers that’ll have these songs stuck in your head long after the night has ended. It’ll be held in the VHS Auditorium, with doors opening at 6:30 and the concert starting at 7:00. All students and staff are welcome to attend!
The Vestal Voices and Concert Chorus will be having their Winter concert on December 17th, 2025. They’ve prepared a repertoire of music from all around the world. Be prepared for spiritual, modern pop, and even classical pieces! They’re also being joined by the Bear Necessities, the school’s Select Co-Ed A Cappella group, who’ll also be performing songs from their set. It’ll be in the VHS Auditorium, with doors opening at 6:30 and the concert starting at 7:00. All students and staff are welcome to attend!
Music Trip and Fundraising:
The Music Department will be having its Krispy Kreme fundraiser this month! Starting on December 10 and going until January 5th, you’ll be able to place an order for a dozen delicious glazed donuts straight from Krispy Kreme, and why stop at a dozen? You can get as many as you’d like! The boxes are priced at $12 a box (That’s a donut for a dollar!), so you know for a fact that you’re getting a good deal. Interested? Ask Ms. Pham (A.K.A The Donut Lady) for more information!
Conclusion:
That’s just about everything that’s going on in the Music Department this month! With a winter concert from each major ensemble, and openings in select groups, there’s sure to be big things going on this month. Hopefully, this column was a helpful source of information and a deep dive into what’s truly going on behind the scenes of Vestal High School’s Music Department! If you enjoyed this column, be sure to swing by next month for the January Edition of Tales From The Music Department, Behind the Curtain with Matt Zahirovich!