Music Day is one of the many re-occurring traditions hosted by members of UPrep. It first started in around 2003 and since, has remained quite prevalent in the community.
According to Fine Arts Department chair Jason Parker, Music Day started a way for students who are not taking an orchestra or band class to show off their talent.
“Music Day began because we understood that there were a lot of kids at the school, that were also musicians that were not participating in our music program,” Parker said. “And so we thought it would be cool to have an opportunity for them to be able to present whatever they wanted.”
This tradition has faced some problems, namely, needing more participants. However, this only reinforced Music Day’s appreciation in the community.
“We had to cancel it one time. I think it was in the spring because we only had like two or three people who auditioned,” Parker said. “When we canceled it, there was a huge backlash of people that were bummed out and so we really realized that it is definitely an important part of what we do here.”
Parker hopes that Music Day helps students gain confidence in front of their peers.
“The biggest thing is just the confidence to get up there and do something in front of your peers because it can be a very anxiety-producing situation,” Parker said. “I’m always really impressed that our students can get up there and just do their thing in front of in front of 600 people.”
To perform at Music Day, students must submit an audition video. The videos are watched and judged for quality.
“We look at the videos and if somebody is maybe not quite ready, we try to coach them and help them get ready,” Parker said. “We do impress upon all the performers that there should be a finished polished act.”
Sophomore Keston Gruhl, who performed “Exile” by Taylor Swift, believes Music Day is a great opportunity.
“Music Day is a great way to express your talents,” Gruhl said. “It’s the perfect amount of times each year; one in the fall and one in the spring. So it’s not overdone. It’s just a nice way for students to express their talents to the rest of the school.”
Sophomore Max Gitenstein, who played piano and guitar, advises students to perform with a partner.
“Get a good friend to do it. It’s a lot more fun than to do it alone,” Gitenstein said.
Gruhl also encourages students to take this opportunity and perform,
“Definitely do it. I mean, I was contemplating recording for a while, especially because I’ve never performed in front of the school before,” Gruhl said. “Just go out, sign up and do it and you won’t regret it. It’s a super fun experience.”
