The Lafayette Symphonic and Chamber Orchestras and the School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCAPA Bluegrass) orchestra majors performed their Costume Concert, known as Mischief Night, in Beeler Auditorium on October 25th, 2024. “Over 120 students will take part in this eerie, atmospheric concert, where haunting melodies and playful tunes will fill the air,” Mr. Kent told The Times, perfectly explaining the feel of the concert. Mischief Night is where these advanced orchestras perform spooky Halloween-themed pieces while wearing costumes. The concert was an exciting experience, both for the fun music and the wonderful costumes worn throughout.
The concert started with the Symphonic Orchestra playing a quiet piece called “Wicked Vow. ” Then, the orchestra performed the classic American folk song “Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels, with Javi Miranda narrating. They finished with the spooky, classical piece “Incantations,” with solos from Franky Rodarte Castro, Violet Harrison, and Emily Bethal.
The concert continued with SCAPA Bluegrass performing “Waltz of the Wicked,” a creepy piece filled with sharp plucking, and the classical piece, “Legend.” Then the Chamber Orchestra performed “Balzene, V. Tango,” a piece that switched back and forth between a beautiful waltz and a creepy melody, and the sad song “Reflexions.” The SCAPA Bluegrass orchestra and the Lafayette Chamber Orchestra finished out the concert with “Merry Go Round of Life” from “Howl’s Moving Castle” and a piece known as “The Lost Relic.”
While the music was beautiful, one of the best parts of the concert was the costumes. Two of the best costumes were the orchestra’s directors. Mr. Kent conducted the Chamber and Symphonic Orchestras as a Viking, and Mr. Breeck attended the concert dressed as Severus Snape, the scary potions teacher from “Harry Potter.”
Near the concert’s end, awards for some of the best costumes were given. The Funniest Costume went to the Tiger King, the Best Group Costume went to a group of violins dressed as a deck of cards, the Scariest Costume went to the plague doctor, and the Most Realistic costume went to Merida from the movie “Brave.” Other amazing costumes include Beetlejuice, Phantom of the Opera, a mushroom, and Alvin and the Chipmunks.
Mr. Kent told The Times, “[This concert’s] fusion of classical and bluegrass music will add a unique twist, sure to leave the audience in awe of the creative synergy between the ensembles,” and he assured us, “The combination of costumes, collaborations, and imaginative music will make for [a night] of pure musical magic!” And we couldn’t agree more! Congratulations to the Lafayette Orchestra for a wonderful night of Halloween fun.
