“Breaking Silence” was quite the fitting name for Edison High’s Winter Choir Concert. Not only was this concert the first in-person winter concert after the two years of silence due to the pandemic, but it was also the new director Mr. Joshua Lisner’s first winter show. 

Around 6:30 pm on December 15th, 2021, Edison High’s auditorium was filled with bustling parents, friends, staff, and other choir directors. Once the light dimmed and the drums played in the background, the Sopranos and Altos entered through the auditorium doors, singing their way into the first piece as they assembled themselves on the risers, while the tenors and basses entered through the wings of the stage. 

All five choirs —Concert, Acapella, Chamber, Treble, and Tenor/Bass Choir— performed a total of 18 pieces with many different languages, styles, and beats. The diversity of these strong pieces and the finale “Hallelujah” evoked a standing ovation from the audience.

The concert drew many emotional reactions. “The only word I could think of was magical. The energy at the concert was high and despite the obvious pre-concert nerves, we went out there and did what we do best, made music as a community,” said Lisner.

Audience member Erkabay Girma ’23 noted, “I thought the concert was really good and pretty different from what the choir usually does for their winter concerts.”

Reflecting on this special moment, Lisner said, “I most enjoyed being able to see the culmination of all of the hard work that all the students have put in this year. After a year of little music, being able to come together as a community and break the silence and sing as a community was really special.”

Gabriela Engholm ‘23, a member of Chamber Choir, discussed the importance of this moment to her. “I think the best of every concert is the chance to spend time with each other, on stage and off. There is such an onslaught of emotion—starting with a lot of nervousness—but past the nerves is just the pure joy of making music with your friends.” 

After two years of deafening silence from Edison High School’s choir department, the 2021 winter concert opened ears for all and marked a truly memorable experience for everyone at the concert.