High School South’s orchestras have returned from their tour of Italy and present the 19th annual Children’s Concert, “Toony Tunes,” on Sunday, December 7. The program includes music from “Frozen,” “Fantasia 2000,” “Looney Tunes,” and “The Pink Panther,” as well as Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Ponchielli’s “Dance of the Hours.”
The three orchestras playing include the String Ensemble (ninth grade); Camerata Symphony (a full orchestra of sophomores, juniors, and seniors); and the Philharmonia Symphony Orchestra (a full orchestra with percussion and winds of sophomores, juniors, and seniors chosen through audition). The concertmistress of the Philharmonia Orchestra is Tiffaney Hsia, the concertmistress of Camerata is Sally Choi, and the concertmaster of the String Ensemble is Angelo Guo. The conductor is Jean Mauro.
“The annual event is a chance to share music with the community in a fun and interactive way,” says Angela Mao, a senior and one of the orchestra’s publicists. She has been playing the cello in the school orchestras since fourth grade and has been on the orchestra council for three years. Mao has been in Philharmonia for two years and Camerata and String Ensemble before that. “The orchestra members have been decorating and planning this concert for the past two months.” Children will also be able to interact with cartoon characters, portrayed by orchestra members.
The entire concert is interwoven with a play, narrated by Krishna Mallem. The writers and directors of the play are Paco Abiad and Ryan Linskey, both seniors; and Raisa Roberto, a junior. “The characters have to work together to get their cartoon abilities back from the Grinch,” says Mao. “The play brings together both classic and new cartoons that audience members of all ages will recognize.”
In between the musical pieces, the characters will come out and act out the next scene — related to the music. The plot is about how the Grinch, played by Linskey, steals the cartoon/animated abilities of Mickey Mouse, played by Abiad, Minnie Mouse, portrayed by Varna Kodoth, Olaf from “Frozen” played by Michelle Liu, and the Power Puff Girls, Ashley Ann Renz, Uma Atre, and Raisa Roberto.
“The concert is very interactive and is designed to be enjoyable for all who are children at heart,” says Mao. There will opportunities to interact with cartoon characters, win prizes, and become a guest conductor. Cookies and juice will served after the concert.
Tickets are $8 and all proceeds will go toward the High School South orchestra program, including future events, concerts, and international tours.
Children’s Concert, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South, 346 Clarksville Road, West Windsor. Sunday, December 7, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. $8. 609-532-2328.
