On June 10th, the PHS Choir performed their last concert of the 2021-2022 school year. The concert is their annual cabaret performance, which is traditionally primarily a singing performance, but in a nightclub/restaurant/club: it demands that the singers dance and act while performing. The PHS Cabaret has been a tradition for around 15 years now and is one of the most unique choir events of the year as it also allows for genres that are less expected in most choir concerts to be brought into the choir atmosphere.

“The music itself every year is pulled between a pop artist and some kind of like mainstream music artists and then two musicals. This year it's Once and Hadestown [both are musicals], and then OneRepublic and Pink. So, it’s just nice because the whole year we do sort of more opera, classical, kind of French whatever music, so getting to sing with my choir like songs like Taylor Swift or Pink, or getting to clash between musicals and pop, so it’s really fun,” said PHS Choir member Stephanie Moon ’22.

The variety of different genres in cabaret (mostly pop) allow choir members to be more free with their style and voice control.

“I think cabaret brings a lot more fun in terms of movement and engagement between other singers,” said Rowan Gilmore ‘23, a singer in PHS Choir.

“My favorite part of cabaret is just getting to hear everyone. Because we get like the whole list of who’s singing what, but then actually getting to hear people sing on that song for the first time is always so exciting,” Moon said.

“I am really looking forward to hearing the Pink set because it’s cool to hear pop songs sung with a band,” Gilmore said. In addition to a band appearance, all the songs all have soloists, duos, or trios, allowing each PHS choir member to stand under the spotlight with their very own applause, as long as they audition. The repertoire is 28 songs long, giving every singer a chance to showcase their own unique voice.

Though it certainly seems like a very fun and rare task for most students in choir, cabaret is very rigid when it comes to multitasking skills, as the choir members (many of which do not dance frequently) have to keep up with the choreography in the midst of singing. Multitasking can be a challenge, but is doable depending on the singer’s attitude.

“A lot of it is the mentality, it’s the type of show where you see a lot of the spotlight so you have to rise to the occasion. But I’m confident and excited,” said PHS Choir Vice President Kyle Keegan ’22.

Cabaret is the last concert before the summer primarily because it is one of the most well-attended events of the year. It is particularly special for seniors as it is their final opportunity to perform before they graduate.

“At the end of the day, I just really want to have fun at our final concert. PHS Choir has given me my best friends and I’m so grateful for my time here. I’m so proud of everything the seniors have accomplished and can’t wait to hear everyone’s songs. We’re such a supportive community and I’m excited to celebrate the three years we’ve had together,” said PHS Choir President Lucy McCulloch ’22.

The sentiment seems to be shared among all seniors when asked about the excitement they have towards the concert.

“I think there is (some anticipation), I think it’s not as much as other seniors, because I’m in an a cappella group [called] The Cat’s Meow, so we still have other performances, like The Final Arch. I am still anticipating it because it’s our last time as a choir performing, and I’ve been through the choir program since freshman year, and choir overall has been a big part of my life since like my childhood, so it’s crazy that a chapter of it is coming to an end. I think Cabaret is the most fun and perfect way to have a closure,” Moon said.

Keegan echoed Moon’s sentiments, reflecting on his time with choir coming to a close.

“I’m very excited for my final concert, it is somewhat emotional but I know I’ll remember it fondly. I just wanna have my best possible show one last time.” Keegan ‘22 said.