On Jan. 9, orchestra, band, and choir students performed at the annual Field House Concert for the middle and elementary school students.
Mr. Paul Oestreich, choir and chamber orchestra director, explains the purpose of this annual Homestead tradition.
“The purpose of the concert [was] to advertise Homestead’s music department in an effort to spark interest in students; ultimately, we hope that this will get them to think about joining when they get to high school,” Oestreich said.
Neela Bergeron, junior vocalist, also greatly enjoyed the event
“I love seeing my old teachers so much, and I get to see the little kids who look up to us,” Bergeron said.
This concert provided students with a new musical experience –a live musical performance. It is the only event each year where all of the wings of music –band, orchestra, and choir –perform together. The younger students are able to watch older students express themselves authentically and artistically.
Neela Bergeron feels that her involvement in music allowed her to be an authentic role model to the younger students watching.
“Choir helped me learn my own strengths, which enables me to portray who I really am,” Bergeron said.
Months of preparation, rehearsals, and guidance from music teachers helped transform individual practices into a unified performance, demonstrating how music has the ability to connect students of different ages and skill levels. In the end, the performers hoped that the music was relatable and engaging.
“I hope the audience feels relief, a time where they get to just sit and enjoy music and everything that goes into it, a break from all the busy noise in their lives,” Bergeron said.
Beyond the music itself, the Field House Concert created moments that students rarely experience in everyday rehearsals. Performers had to adapt to a shared space, listen closely to other ensembles, and adjust their timing and sound to fit into a larger program. One band student, Evan Rench, junior, described his excitement and passion for this event.
“The concert should not just display the sound we make individually, but [people are] also hearing us as one group and team, while also showing the commitment that we put into the songs and rehearsals,” Rench said.
This concert added a new level of responsibility, as the performers balanced their individual parts alongside the collective sound of everyone else. Being a part of this production gave students many new opportunities that could only be found in this setting.
“I’m able to foster foundations of leadership as I’m one of the drum majors; in general, the band helps me be involved in a community that brings me lots of new relationships and experiences,” Rench said.
Overall, the Field House Concert highlighted the hard work and dedication of young musicians across Homestead. An annual tradition, this concert showcases the value of music education and continues to inspire performers, leaving a lasting impression on both the students involved and the audience who came to support them.
