WESTFIELD-As “Phantom of the Opera” celebrates its 30th year on Broadway, the Westfield High School Choirs will mark that milestone with “An Evening at the Opera” on Oct. 13.
During a rehearsal Friday at 7:30 a.m., students were seated and ready for Korey Bruno, director of choral activities, to lead them in warm-up stretching exercises and oral skills training before the class began. The half-hour rehearsal class included two of the songs from the show, “Masquerade,” and the title song from “Phantom.”
Korey Bruno, director of choral activities at Westfield High School, rehearses songs from “Phantom of the Opera” with students on Friday morning.
“These kids are Westfield’s best-kept secret,” said Bruno. “They all work hard and I encourage the community to come out and support them.”
The 6:30 p.m. fundraising event in the café/auditorium includes dinner – ziti with meatballs, salad, rolls, beverage and dessert – provided by the Tavern Restaurant. Tickets are $12 per person and can be purchased from any choir member, at the school office, or via email to Bruno at [email protected]. Persons ordering tickets through Bruno will pay for their tickets at the door.
“Each student receives credit for selling tickets which helps supplement their cost of a spring four-day trip to Kings Dominion theme park in Virginia where the students will also perform,” said Bruno.
Westfield High School freshmen Ally Carnes and Justin Misseri sing their parts to “Masquerade” during Friday’s rehearsal.
Bruno added that advance tickets will be sold through Oct. 12, noting it is important to have an accurate count to provide to the restaurant.
During the course of the evening a raffle is also planned featuring a flat-screen television donated by Firtion-Adams Funeral Services.
For anyone familiar with the soundtrack from “Phantom,” there is plenty of energy throughout the show. With more than 12,000 performances worldwide, the ‘Phantom’ still entertains in his shadowy existence beneath the majesty of the Paris Opera House. The love for his breathtaking protégée Christine Daaé is also as strong as ever.
“We started rehearsing the first day of school,” said freshman Sean Alvord, noting he was familiar with the music. “The music is very enjoyable and we’ll have some fun wearing the masquerade masks.”
Westfield High School freshman Sean Alvord is seen in rehearsal.
For freshman Ally Carnes, while she was not familiar with the music from “Phantom” before the start of the school year, she “fell in love with the music” immediately and then watched the movie. “When we sing you feel the magic in the room,” said Carnes. “With all of the choirs coming together it’s amazing to watch.”
Freshman Justin Misseri echoed those sentiments.
“I wasn’t familiar with the music from ‘Phantom’ but since we’ve been practicing I love it,” said Misseri. “We all sound really great – it’s awesome.”
For junior Martin Benitez, he too wasn’t familiar with the songs of “Phantom” but after rehearsals started the music makes him “feel great.”
“The music is kind of a mystery,” said Benitez, adding “When you’re singing you feel free.”
Korey Bruno, director of choral activities at Westfield High School, works with students Friday morning on a song from the “Phantom of the Opera.” From left, senior Connor McDowell, junior Martin Benitez, and sophomore Rebekah Boudreau.
Benitez also noted that for anyone who likes music, “they should come and see the students perform.”
What also sets the choirs apart are several special needs students who also enjoy being a part of the ensemble. On Friday morning, Lilia Shilyuk, Michael Sousa, and Amanda Dalton were intently listening to Bruno’s directions, assisted by Marietta Pami, communications specialist in the Developmental Learning Program, and Barbara Goshea, who works closely as Dalton’s nurse.
“Most of our students love music,” said Pami, adding that singing in the choir is an uplifting experience. “Michael especially enjoys music and will listen to the music from Mrs. Bruno’s classes any time of the day.”
Goshea concurred.
“The music is a perfect way to start the day with the students,” said Goshea.
Lilia Shilyuk in rehearsal Friday morning.
Senior Connor McDowell, who serves as choir president, also noted that the students bring positive energy to the rehearsals.
Michael Sousa listens to musical instructions as communications specialist Marietta Pami offers support.
“I know if I’m having a bad day, Lilia, Michael and Amanda can bring a smile to my face,” said McDowell.
Bruno said one of the important aspects to the choirs is its openness to all students.
“We are an open choir and all of our students are good singers,” said Bruno. “We encourage the community to attend our concert to support the students because they are our future and Westfield’s best-kept secret.”
During a break in rehearsal, Amanda Dalton is given instruction by her nurse Barbara Goshea.
