Since 2014, the Lexington High School choral community has hosted Follies, an annual concert featuring themed musical numbers. In addition to large choral performances, students can perform solos and duets. This year, on Jan. 28, chorus students performed songs from the 2000s, including The Greatest Showman and Dear Evan Hansen.
Due to the focus on musical theater, the audience was able to relate to the performances more than classical chorus pieces performed at a typical concert.
“Having a bunch of musical theater pieces is more attractive for the younger audiences. They get to see a lot of things that make them happy and make them wanna dance,” Aman Verma, a sophomore performer, said. Many performers hope that the show inspires younger students to join the LHS Choral Program, which has decreased in numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic.While Follies was originally a fundraiser for events like the LHS Pops Concert and field trips, it has since become a way for chorus students across ensembles to perform together and express their individual talents.
Sophomore Arden Taylor performed a duet with Anaya Joshi, a sophomore in a different choral ensemble. Taylor said that Follies was an opportunity to work with her friend on a song that they both enjoyed singing.
“It’s nice that you get a full opportunity to choose the song that you want to do and suits you,” Taylor said.
Because LHS singing is more focused on showcasing various ensembles during concerts, Follies gives students a unique opportunity to practice solo performances.
“For me, [Follies is] a time to put myself out there,” Hélène Telliez, a sophomore soloist, said. “I feel like it was a really good experience just to build up my confidence and also work towards something and actually have a goal in mind.”
Nevertheless, preparation brought its own challenges. A concert of this size took coordination and a lot of work from students, especially given limited rehearsal time.
“There were so many performances and events at LHS, and that cut our time after break in half. The challenge was having two weeks instead of four or five.” Anne Carey, a Physical Education teacher and the choreographer for the LHS Follies, said.”
Furthermore, different ensembles rehearse during different blocks, requiring joint rehearsals on weekends.
Despite the challenges, LHS choruses were still able to put together a full scale concert, and students and teachers are proud of their work this year.
“I was able to really get into the music and really feel the emotions of the song. I’m proud of performing in front of a large audience of people, not getting incredibly nervous, and then coming out successful,” Telliez said.
For Carey, the moment was especially bittersweet, as this was her last Follies concert before her retirement, although she plans on returning to LHS to watch performances and even choreograph if necessary.
“I just was sitting on stage thinking, ‘Boy, I’ve seen a lot of my life go by while working on this stage,’” Carey said. “I’m always proud seeing people who are not necessarily movers, dancers, or musical theater performers just trying stuff. That always amazes me.”
