On Friday, January 9th, and Saturday, January 10th, the Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory instrumental program kicked off the new year with their annual Winter Concert. This year’s showcase was titled “The Spirit Still Shines,” as a testament to the ever-growing community and strength of the music department. Led by musical director Mr. Cumberbatch, the concert spotlighted various groups from the music department, including the Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, String Orchestra, and the Concert Band.
The weekend marked notable collaborations. A standout moment was the guest vocal appearance from SHC choir members Finn Tauber ‘27 and Maya Cacho ’27, whose voices added a joyful lyrical component to the instrumentals of the Jazz Band. A featured performance from the senior band “Total Dysfunction” added a surprising flare to the program with their alternative music style.
With all of this excitement and celebration surrounding the show, there is also a sense of bittersweet nostalgia for the class of 2026. For Lucas Krum, who has been a devoted member of the instrumental music program and Total Dysfunction for three years, this concert marked the near end of his musical journey at SHC. As I caught up with him, he gave a quick view into what the show was like for a senior with this concert being his second-to-last show:
SEEVERS: What instrument do you play in SHC’s Band?
KRUM: I play the guitar.
SEEVERS: What was it like for you to play in the recent winter concert?
KRUM: It was a lot of fun, especially because I got to play with my own personal band named Total Dysfunction and my own instrument, which made it very special.
SEEVERS: What was the preparation like for the concert?
KRUM: For my personal band, we practiced for a week straight, and for the SHC band, we also ended up practicing for a week straight after and before school, and most days we were practicing for multiple hours.
SEEVERS: What was it like for you as a senior performing in the band and in the winter concert?
KRUM: It was very fun for me because I feel like as a senior, I am able to take in each moment a lot more, and it really makes me appreciate the present.
SEEVERS: For follow up, does performing as a senior in the band feel different from performing during other grades?
KRUM: Yes, absolutely, because the other years I would kind of laugh at the seniors in the band, saying “haha, it’s your last year,” and you know now it’s just different because I get to appreciate where I am and how many years I have been with SHC instrumental program.
SEEVERS: Was there anything in particular that was difficult for you about performing in the concert?
KRUM: Yes, well, I mean, my first year performing in the winter concert, I didn’t even know how to read music, but this year I got a lot better at reading and memorizing my music, which was helpful. So, that was a little bit of a struggle, but I got there.
SEEVERS: And lastly, what did you enjoy the most about performing in the winter concert?
KRUM: I just really enjoyed taking in the moment with everyone in the band.
Be sure to check out the SHC school website to learn more about upcoming VPA performances and concerts like this one. And don’t miss out on the upcoming SHC spring instrumental concert… “And the Oscar goes to…” On April 24-25!
