As students shuffle out of their classrooms, freshmen exchange quiet whispers, wondering what this annual tradition holds. Meanwhile, seniors reminisce about their favorite Prism performances from years past.

“Behind the scenes with all the music majors, just playing games together or talking on stage, was very nice,” strings senior Jaynald Obilas said. “It was a great experience for my last ever Prism. A lot of core memories were made.”

A collective performance showcasing the varied talents of the music department, Prism has grown into one of the school’s most anticipated events of the year. This year, the concert took place Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Before the official performance took place at night, staff and students headed over to the Kravis Center to experience a preview of the showcase during school.

“I had heard about Prism before I came to Dreyfoos,” vocal freshman Noah de Chalambert said. “It was one of the most exciting things to me, and I (couldn’t) wait to be on stage in front of everyone. I’m glad I’m able to be part of it.” 

Rehearsals across the strings, vocal, piano, and band departments led to this moment, with each area showcasing holiday sets.

“We practiced a lot,” De Chalambert said. “Not only would I spend hours at home and after school on my part, but the day before Prism, (we) rehearsed for 12 hours. It was worth it in the end.”

Orchestra director Jeffrey Adkins and jazz director Christopher De León started making preparations for Prism months before.

“For me, the process starts very early on with selecting music for our large ensembles,” Mr. Adkins said. “I kind of start(ed) over the summer listening (to options) and trying to decide what I’d like to play this year. The rehearsals are fun, the students work hard, and I feel like the music I chose is really good. It’s a great feeling right now.”

With each Prism, directors may see differences in how students approach their performances. According to Mr. De León, these shifts may be determined by not only the music selections but also the development and growth students undergo and bring to the stage each year.

“Every year is different,” Mr. De León said. “It’s a different group of kids, different cast of characters, different song selections. It’s always unique. From the kids’ perspective, they’re much more prepared.”

While students refine their performances during the rehearsal process, students who apply to form or join a small group have to audition first. Not every act or performer that auditions makes it to the Kravis stage, but those who don’t still have the chance to experience the event as members of the audience, supporting their peers from the hall seats. 

“I wasn’t in Prism this year,” piano sophomore Norberto Yumang said. “Piano majors are the only ones that must audition (as the piano majors can only perform in small groups) to play (at all), and I didn’t get in. My first one (Prism) was really fun last year because I got to hang out with a lot of my friends since we’re all the same major. I still had a good time watching and talking to them after.” 

While the directors and returning performers prepare for yet another Prism, first-time participants also learned the process of Prism and rehearsal.

“(Prism) gave me more of an experience of how working with upperclassmen will feel in a large venue,” De Chalambert said. “It was exciting to be surrounded by my friends and new people to do my biggest performance yet.” 

As attendees settled into the Kravis Center, some performers assembled backstage while others began to perform in small groups as part of the Prism pre-show. After the pre-show performances, the lights dimmed and the audience grew quiet as they awaited the first major act: a “Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas” rendition by the Philharmonic Orchestra and choir. Many shorter performances followed after, from jazz renditions of classical holiday music to chorus groups harmonizing to “Marshmallow World” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”

“(My) first year (participating in Prism), I didn’t know what was going on,” band junior Asha Farrelly said. “The second year, I kind of knew but wasn’t in that many groups (ensembles). This year, I was in groups and (playing in) the lobby, so I got to play when everyone was coming in, and it was fun to see my friends.”

To conclude the nearly hour-and-a-half-long showcase, the Philharmonic Orchestra, 150 vocal students, and directors from all of the music departments gathered on stage for one final act to perform “I Saw Three Ships,” arranged by Mack Wilberg. Music students not on stage gathered in the main hall for the final bow of the event.

“After we all performed, we walked into the main hall in our little lines, and then we all cheered,” Farrelly said. “Overall, we’re all relieved. Every year it gets better, and we’re always excited to go back to school after (the show).” 

Following the finale, all students and staff in attendance exited the Kravis Center. As they walked back to campus for lunch, some students congratulated performers and shared their “excitement” for the future of Prism.

“I am excited (for the next couple of years),” visual freshman Sebastian Murcio Villamizar said. “I can’t wait for there to be new songs, new students to perform. Everything was amazing to see, and my favorite part was when the small group sang a Spanish song (Ocho Kandelikas).”  

As the final notes of Prism faded into memory, for students such as communications senior Ava McCaulley, it was a farewell to a four-year-long tradition.

“(My first Prism) was really magical because I had never experienced a musical performance on such a grand scale,” McCaulley said. “When I saw it live for the first time, I was like ‘Oh, I get it. This is amazing.’ It feels like you’re stepping into another world of just holiday cheer and magic and music that really lifts your soul.”