The Beachwood orchestra hosted its annual Spooktacular concert on Oct. 13, featuring performances by high school musicians alongside fifth and eighth grade students.
This year’s music included Harry Potter, Legend of the Ghost Stallion, Damlyn, How to Train Your Dragon, March of the Marionette, Rock and Halloween and Goblin Feast.
The show concluded with a lively disco medley featuring “Celebration,” “Dancing Queen” and “YMCA.”
For the first time, students incorporated both singing and dancing into the concert.
“It wasn’t about perfection, it was about having fun and doing something creative together,” said orchestra Co-President Arnav Bokil. “We liked to challenge ourselves and try something new every year.”
The Spooktacular, one of the orchestra’s most anticipated traditions, filled the auditorium with energy and Halloween spirit.
This year’s concert featured new decorations, inflatable props, and a student-designed photo booth.
The Friends of the Beachwood Orchestra (FOBO) sponsored pizza and drinks for students and families, continuing their tradition of supporting extracurricular music events.
Younger musicians from the fifth and eighth grades joined the high schoolers on stage, giving them an early taste of the Beachwood music program.
“It was really fun for the younger students,” Bokil said. “They got to perform, wear costumes, and experience what high school orchestra is like.”
Orchestra Director Allison Siekmann explained that the event is a collaboration between students from Hilltop as well as BMS and BHS.
Siekmann explained that the event serves as both a celebration and a learning experience for all involved.
“This concert was a chance for students to grow not just musically, but as part of a community,” she said. “When [high school students] saw younger students looking up to them, it reminded them how far they’ve come and how music connects us all.”
Bokil added that the Spooktacular’s collaborative nature helped strengthen the orchestra’s bond.
“It was great seeing everyone from different grades working together,” he said. “We all put effort into decorating, rehearsing and making it a memorable show.”
Siekmann said she hoped the event would continue to inspire students for years to come.
“The Spooktacular brought everyone together, musicians, families and the community,” she said. “It was one of those nights where the joy of making music really shone.”
Spooktacular was a great success. Siekann shared her gratitude for everyone who made this event possible.
“Just a big thank-you to everyone who helped make this concert possible,” she said. “It takes a village to pull off a production like this, from the students and teachers to the tech crew and boosters, everyone’s work is so appreciated.”
