A Theatrical and Musical Journey: CMHS Unveils 2024-2025 Music and Drama Performance Lineup
BY Emily Wright
MILL HALL—Music enthusiasts and drama aficionados in the community are in for a fantastic season of performances. James Eldreth, music educator at Central Mountain High School (CMHS), recently announced an engaging lineup of performances beginning November 22, 2024, through May 2025. With a vibrant mix of music and drama, this series promises to captivate audiences of all ages. All performances offer free admission and will be held at the CMHS auditorium at 64 Keystone Central Drive in Mill Hall.
The CMHS Drama Club will kick off with the presentation of “Puffs or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic” from November 22 to 24. Performances will begin on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 p.m., followed by two shows on Saturday, November 23, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. A matinee will conclude the show’s run on Sunday, November 24, at 2:00 p.m. This comedic play provides a fresh, humorous take on the wizarding world, focusing on the Puffs, a group of often-overlooked students at a magical school. The narrative spans seven years, following the Puffs’ adventures as they navigate a series of increasingly dramatic and magical events, celebrating the everyday heroes and the challenges of growing up in a world of magic and adventure. This is the sole performance with an admission fee, and tickets can be purchased at the door or pre-ordered from any CMHS Drama Club member. General admission is $10, while students and Drama Club alumni can purchase tickets for $8.
December heralds a festive holiday season with a series of outstanding concerts. On Saturday, December 7, at 7:00 p.m., the CMHS auditorium will host special guests, Crooner & Co. Swing Band and the Nittany Knights Barbershop Chorus, who will perform a delightful array of Christmas classics. Crooner & Co. consists of professional musicians and will include CMHS music teacher Mr. Eldreth on trumpet, along with five CMHS Jazz Band students who’ve been selected to join the performance. The Nittany Knights Barbershop Chorus, based in State College, is a talented ensemble of male singers whose performance is guaranteed to bring smiles, nostalgia, laughter, joy, and more.
On Tuesday, December 10, at 7:00 p.m., the CMHS Band, Orchestra, and Jazz students will showcase their talents during their Winter Concert, followed by another melodious Winter Concert performed by the CMHS Chorus on Monday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. featuring select CMHS piano students, the CMHS Chorus Club, and the Central Mountain Middle School (CMMS) Choir.
As winter gives way to 2025, special guest Crooner & Co. Swing Band will enrich the community’s cultural scene with a “Songs of Jazz Singers” performance on Sunday, January 26, at 2:00 p.m. The show will highlight jazz favorites from iconic artists like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, Paul Anka, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and more.
Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., will bring a vibrant Latin Carnaval Celebration, with special guest La Fiesta Band, promising a lively repertoire of salsa, cumbia, merengue, and more. This performance showcases Latin music exclusively sung in Spanish. This group performs many popular favorites of the Latin community, such as “Despacito” and “Suavemente”.
Spring ushers in new excitement with the Drama Club’s spring musical, which will run from Friday, March 21, through Sunday, March 23, with showtimes to be announced. The month concludes with a Guitar/Rock Concert on Thursday, March 27, at 7:00 p.m. featuring CMHS guitar students and the spirited CMHS “Staffulty” Rock Band.
In May, the spotlight shifts to young talents in an enchanting series of instrumental and vocal concerts. The Orchestra Concert featuring CMMS and CMHS students in grades 5 through 12 is slated for Wednesday, May 7, at 7:00 p.m. Taking the stage on Thursday, May 8, at 7:00 p.m. is the CMHS Chorus and Guitar/Rock Concert.
On Tuesday, May 13, at 7:00 p.m., band students in grades 7 through 12 will hold their spring concert, and on Wednesday, May 14, at 7:00 p.m., catch the Jazz and Band Concert, which will feature band students in grades 5 and 6 and Jazz students from both CMMS and CMHS.
Mark your calendars, as these performances promise to be an exhilarating treat for drama and music lovers of all generations.
