By Catt Phan
Choir’s biggest fundraiser of the year occurs in the month of February, when Valentine’s Day grams (consisting of a card, a rose, and a song) are sold for three dollars. On February 14, choir members visit classrooms to hand out cards, present roses, and serenade students.
While the song only lasts a couple of minutes, the preparation that goes into the performance is both lengthy and elaborate.
Choir members start preparing at the beginning of January with group assignments decided by Mr. Tison. The group is led either by a Troubadour member or a dedicated senior who makes sure that everything goes smoothly.
The groups choose from ten songs predetermined by Tison and choir board presidents; songs cannot go over two minutes.
“We decide which songs we like, and what we think might sound cool in a guess and check process,” said Sabrina Niselman (’14).
“As easy as it sounds, arranging the songs… takes creativity and group efforts and is fun and stressful at the same time,” said Steven Truong (’14). ‘Its not easy to come by an awesome harmony like in Pitch Perfect.”
Once the medleys are finished and thoroughly practiced, each group must perform for Mr. Tison’s approval. By the end of the process, two groups, one made up of boys and one made up of girls, are bestowed with the title of “Power Group” by their fellow concert choir members.
Valentine’s Day grams have been around for the past three years and while there is some apprehension or annoyance felt by students or teachers, the day overall brings a happy mood to all regardless if you have a special someone or not.
Khoi Phan (’14) feels that “it’s a nice sweet way for people to get someone they like a nice gift. I expect always an interesting show.”
“In the end, the arrangements turn out to be good since its the product of hard work, chaos, and fun in each meeting,” said Truong. “Overall the grams allow us to bond… and also expand our musical abilities.”
Whether you think Valentine’s Day is a meaningless consumerist holiday or you’re bitter that you’re invisible to your crush, enjoy the grams for what they are: a show based on hard work that provides entertainment in the form of song, dance, and mutual embarrassment.
