Eaton High School’s four choirs and four bands decided to bring back the music gala, which they put on for the first time last year. Each choir and band performed a couple of songs after the audience received their dinner. At the very end, all choirs and bands joined together for a song.
Christina Contreras, the choir director at EHS, said, “Last year was awesome. It went really, really well. [It was] bigger than we anticipated. We oversold, and ended up having to put tables up on the top floor.” The 2025 was such a success that it was clear it had to return. Contreras’ undying commitment to the music program shows through in how each concert turns out. She makes sure that all of the choirs put their best effort into each song, and the mix of fun and solemn songs makes for a wonderful night of music.
The choirs had prepared for this concert since they came back from winter break. Since each choir usually has to memorize four songs per concert, this performance was less demanding for the students, as they only needed to learn three. Alyson Hale (26), a member of both Bella Voce and Troubadors, said, “We could actually focus on each piece and make each one as best as we could, especially with the short time we had to prepare.”
The band also prepared less songs than usual, which led to smooth sailing for the most part. Freshman Jaxon Hergert, a trumpet player in the concert band, said, “I would say these songs were easier, and it was better because I had less [songs] to prepare.”
The bands had also been preparing since the beginning of January, and thanks to their wonderful director, Benjamin Corneliusen, delivered a great show.
For three access periods during the month of February, all choir and band members were required to meet in the choir room for a combined rehearsal of “Credo.” Hale said, “It was really stressful with everybody in there, because everybody talked over each other. I’m sure it was difficult for Mrs. C and Mr. C to get everybody under control. But, they didn’t turn out too bad.” Each time, the song sounded better and better. The choirs and bands had to learn how to work together to create beautiful music, and did a great job of doing so. Their hard work and willingness to show up really made a difference.
The dinner was provided by El Mero Mero, a Mexican restaurant in Greeley. With the help of generous parents, everyone was served. The meal consisted of a taco bar with lots of toppings. There was also an opportunity for guests to enter raffles and donate for the funding of the EHS music program.
The show took place in the main gym of Eaton High School. The bands were positioned on one side of the gym, and the choirs were on the other. Parents and other audience members sat in the bleachers, watching as a choir and then a band performed back and forth until the combined ending piece.
As practiced, the bands started out the song and kept their volume low so the choirs could be heard. The blend of the groups was astounding, and each student truly did their part to bring the song together. After the ending note, the audience erupted into applause with appreciation for all of the hard work the students and directors put in to ensure the night’s success.
Contreras said, “I love coming together with the band, [and] having all of our musicians come together. It’s just great.” Many hope to see this gala continue to become a yearly tradition. The choirs and bands should be proud of their performances and ready to give their final show of the school year this May.
