The Pascack Hills band and choir performed their annual spring concert outdoors on Monday, May 17. In past years, performances would be held in the school auditorium, but in order for the show to carry on this year with the pandemic, the event took place outdoors on the football field. 

“We had a few in-person rehearsals during the last three weeks, but it was only at the concert I’ve had everybody present for the first time. It was an amazing experience,” said choir director Margarita Elkin.  

The choir performed a variety of songs including “You Will be Found”, “The Awakening”, and “Will the Circle be Unbroken.” The choirs also had several soloists including Hills junior Christina Priestner and senior Anna Lewis.  

“I am really grateful we were able to have the concert this year,” said junior Michael Blackford. “Last year was my first year in chamber choir, and we did not get to have the spring concert due to Covid, so I am really happy that I got to experience it for the first time.”

The Hills band also performed for the other half of the duration of the concert and their performance consisted of songs such as “Saturn: the Ringed Planet,” “Joy,” and “Russian Sailors Dance.”

“The concerts are always such a fun experience, so I am so glad the advisors were able to find a way to make it happen this year with Covid restrictions,” said Dream Maywether, a junior at Hills. “I actually really liked performing outside… I think they should do this every year in the spring.”

As the show concluded, Elkin presented to the performers and expressed her gratitude that the show was able to occur.

“It’s been a very hectic year, and it’s incredibly emotional to have our talented musicians perform live tonight,” she said. “It’s been 17 months since our last live concert in December 2019. But because of all the dedication and amazing spirit that our musicians have shown we never stopped making music. Mr. Dore [band director] and I, we are very proud of all of you!”