Stagg High School to Present Spectrum Holiday Concert

PALOS HILLS, IL – Amos Alonzo Stagg High School will present its annual holiday concert, Spectrum, at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and at 6 and 8:15 p.m. Dec. 15 at the school’s Performing Arts Center, 8015 W. 111th St. The performances are free and open to the public.

Stagg P.E. teacher Mary Gaido coordinates the event and volunteers from the Music Boosters provide support for rehearsals that week and on performance nights. According to the concert program, “Spectrum is a continuous, 75-minute show that begins in complete darkness and culminates with a triumphant finale.”

“This performance is special because students have the opportunity to demonstrate their individual musical talent,” said Sandy Mech, division chair for English, Music and ELL. “This concert showcases the talents of our music students of Stagg High School. A variety of holiday musical selections will be performed.”

Mech said it is different from a traditional concert, including the entire decorated Performing Arts Center being used and not just the stage. “Students perform on the stage and in all the aisles and balconies surrounding the theater,” she said.

“Once the concert begins, the performances are continuous. There is no applause after each performance, which keeps the music quickly moving from one song to the next. All applause is held until the end of the concert,” she said. “The final piece is a combined ensemble singing the ‘Hallelujah Chorus,’ which is guaranteed to awe the audience.”

When considering what to call a concert such as this, Gaido wanted to choose a name that would convey the uniqueness of such an event. A spectrum occurs when a white light is passed through a prism and the light is separated into its many colors. This phenomenon formed the perfect metaphor for the musical "spectrum" listeners experience at this concert. Each of Stagg's bands and choirs will showcase their unique talents before uniting to form the beautiful unified sound of the finale.

For those looking for a way to kick start the holiday season, this family friendly event is sure to impress.