From pop songs to instrumental performances, Futako Sessions is your place to shine! This show is open to anyone from grades 8-12, and there are no restrictions on what you can perform! Special thanks to Mr.Jason Drahos, the high school choral director and the organizer of the event.
St.Mary’s offers various music programs, including middle/high school concert and jazz band, choir, and the spring musical. Althogh there are many opportunities to perform, some don’t have the chance to perform, due to their instrument or genre not being in the musical programs. “We began thinking about this project last Spring, with the hope that we could add opportunities for small groups, soloists, or contemporary musicians to shine.” Mr.Drahos said. He wanted to allow everyone to shine regardless of their genre by making the concert a coffeehouse style, rather than a traditional concert setting. When asked about what he is most excited about, he stated that anything is welcome, but he is looking forward to seeing contemporary/pop musicians performing. “This event is open to St. Mary’s students, but Sacred Heart or Seisen students can join as a duet/small group. Much of the music that’s out there is written for SATB (mixed voice) groups. By allowing them to join a St. Mary’s group, we open a wider variety of music up to our students.” Auditions will be held on Friday, September 26th, after school. So far, five soloists and six groups have signed up to perform.
Mr.Drahos encouraged eveyone to join, with a motivational message for those who are nervous about performng on stage: “The same advice that I give to students all the time – if you audition and it doesn’t work out, you are in the same position as if you don’t try at all…but you’ve ROBBED yourself of the OPPORTUNITY to have been told yes. Take your ego out of it, practice your best, and let the chips fall where they may. Suppose you only do the things in life that you are totally certain about. In that case, you will miss out on a lot of great opportunities.” When asked about what he wants the students to take away, he hopes that “the audience gets to experience a different style concert, and that students can gain more experience performing in front of an audience.” He emphasized the amazing power of music; how it can bring everyone together by uniting performers and the audience, and leaving performers with a feeling of success and accomplishment.
Futako sessions are more than just a concert. It’s a day for everyone to shine and enjoy music, celebrate different cultures and sounds, and most importantly, a day where everyone is brought together through music.
