The Tri M and Thespian combined holiday showcase is one of Hunterdon Central’s many winter classics. It is a night full of festivity and music as members of these renowned honors societies perform well rehearsed acts to an enthusiastic audience. This year’s showcase, aptly named the “Snowcase” captured the excitement of the winter season as students headed into winter break.
The showcase featured a wide variety of songs, starting with the playful “Santa Baby,” performed by Madison Rebimbas, Kaitlyn Osborne, Leah-Faith Rosa, Piper Berkowitz, and Sam Gauvin. The audience was also treated to “Never Fall in Love with an Elf” from Elf the Musical, featuring Piper Berkowitz, Anna Lopena, Chris Doyle, Grayson Brice, and Sam Gauvin. The night wrapped up with a performance of the classic “Carol of the Bells,” performed by Jason Theadore, Cadence Szwec, Emily Ippolito, Anna Lopena, Joshua Fisher, Luke Del Corso, Grayson Brice, Christopher Koye, and Chris Doyle.
While the audience enjoyed these incredible performances, the preparation behind the scenes was just as impressive. Creating a wonderful showcase doesn’t happen overnight and Tri-M members have been working diligently all year, including participating in the recent Tri-M induction in November. To be inducted into the society, students must have completed (or be in the process of completing) three years of a music class and write an essay demonstrating their passion for music.
In preparation for the Snowcase students begin working nearly a month in advance. They carefully select songs that best fit their groups before diving into rehearsals, auditions and ultimately the showcase. However, the performers aren’t the only ones putting in the effort- the Tri-M officers are hard at work behind the scenes as well. When speaking with Eva Graziano, President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, she shared her thoughts on the preparation process. “As officers, a showcase is more than what happens on stage. Its weeks of planning, coordinating acts, and making sure every detail runs smoothly. Behind the scenes, we’re organizing rehearsals, setting up the space, supporting performers, and problem-solving in real time. For this Holiday Snowcase, I was so fortunate to have amazing Thespian and Tri-M officers helping me plan, decorate, and host. And of course, this showcase wouldn’t be what it was without the incredible performers who dedicated so much time and effort to preparing their acts and sharing them on stage!”
Thespian members have been busy behind the scenes, putting their time and talent into making this showcase a success. Induction into the Thespian Society takes place in the spring, and students must meet several requirements to be considered. After speaking with Kaitlyn Osborne, Vice President of the Thespian Society, she explained that prospective members need to earn a combination of performance points, stage crew points, and show genuine interest in the society. The exact number of points required is not shared, and neither is the number of points a student currently has, so the best way to earn a spot is to stay involved and continue demonstrating a passion for theatre.
