by Carol G

Created on: January 11, 2009

An inconspicuous asset came in the form of support for the high school music program at Sebastion River High. Community involvement, and talented teachers can be an all around asset. A buzzword around Sebastion, The Prism Concert showed the results of the assets of many involved in the best musical programs I've ever seen.

These youngsters work so hard throughout the year with multiple performances, and practice, and road trips that I had to agree with the remark about how refreshing it is to see such excellence in performance from really nice teens. When I saw their yearly Christmas performance, I was touched by the inconspicuous aspect behind the production.

Prism 2,008 included over fifty musical selections ranging from two A ca paella vocal performances to a number of choir and dance performances, and the list goes on. A steel drum performance from the drum line was complimented later by a rendition of Cleanin' Up, the latter performed using only trash cans and push brooms as instruments.

Finishing with levity, the final drummer keeps up the rhythm while sweeping the audience off their veritable feet as he forgets to leave the stage. More levity to tickle the crowd came with a visit from Christmas Grinch who threaded his way through the main aisle tapping heads and being scary with his lime green head piece.

The marching band threaded through the aisles featuring individual segments of the various wind, and percussion instruments. Sparkling changes in the ambiance turned attention to lighted balconies with a duo of flute players delivering angelic oeuvre from above. These well placed interludes appeared intermittently throughout the evening alternating from one side of the auditorium to the other.

Dance troupes wowed the audience with high kicks, and unusual innovative choreographies. A magical performance highlighted the dance segment with dancers emerging from a filmy mist wearing dark, flowing, translucent skirts. As an integral part of the piece, costumes were reminiscent of exotic scarf dances harkening to days of antiquity. Overall this impressive piece was implemented with a contemporary choreographic slant.

Two beautiful voices blended perfectly singing Flower Duet by Leo Delibes. I didn't want it to end ever.

Ranging through classics to classical, the titles are too numerous to list. The order of presentation was a wellspring of surprise. We heard a piece from the movie "Spiderman" followed immediately by God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen done by the clarinet section. I Got Rhythm, a piece well know from the fifties brought plenty of reminiscences, I'm sure.

The teachers who gave their hard work, and heartfelt contributions must be overwhelmingly gratified at the astounding success they have had a part in cultivating. They were another inconspicuous asset in this high school music program.

Last but not least, the benefactors were an inconspicuous asset in the whole picture that gives these teens a chance to get a taste of success.

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