On May 15 at 7 p.m. sharp, the Lakewood Project presented its final performance of the year: ‘On Shuffle.’ Stepping into the civic music filled the room with this outstanding group, while students gathered around, jumping up and down on their feet. Thus, it was a wonderful night not only for the audience but also for members of the Lakewood Project, who spent hours creating this wonderful concert for all to enjoy.
The members of the Lakewood Project are decked out in fabulous clothes, and it’s a must-see when attending. “On Shuffle” featured music from multiple artists, including Chappel Ron, Matillla, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many more. Every concert begins with the group coming out on stage to perform their first song, in this case Palladio by Karl Jenkins, and eventually students come running up to the pit to play along with the music, almost like being at an actual, real live concert.
Other songs performed by the Lakewood project included a classic fan favorite “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd that is a groovy country song that has been featured in many movies and on the radio. Many students in the pit began to dance cowboy-like moves with each other.
“Dance The Night Away” by Dua Lipa and “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen kept the audience on their feet and swaying along.
This year’s theme was picked by the seniors who showcased different types of music, and opened up doors for everyone to listen to new music.
“What I like about this theme is that the seniors pick,” Hankins said. “I hope that the audience loved that Lakewood students in this particular ensemble are being exposed to a whole bunch of different genres, ways of playing music, providing them with opportunities that open doors for them to participate in multiple venues and aspects of music, not just classical.”
Many students enjoy their time in the Lakewood Project and experience new ideas when it comes to music. Not only joining Lakewood Project exposes students to new people but provides lifetime skills.
“They should join because there’s no other ensemble like [Lakewood Project] in high schools that are around. The skills that they learn in the labor project are not only musical, but also lifelong skills,” Hankins said. “One of the biggest things that’s a takeaway that’s non musical is risk taking, building confidence, a willingness to interact with people that maybe you don’t think that you have a commonality with but you can get in there and like, work together as a problem, as on a solution.”
Multiple people were needed to make this concert a success, and teacher Dr. Hankins made sure the concert ran smoothly; there were many hands on deck.
“I play electric violin and acoustic feel, and I kind of oscillate between those two sections,” Lakewood Project member Maya Trempe said. “That’s the instrument I chose in fifth grade, and I just kind of stuck with it.”
As a musician on and off stage, seeing all the numerous hours spent making this last concrete success is worth all the struggles along the way. Every part of the concert revealed the unique talent of the members and how much music is their passion.
“All of it because I like being able to perform for everyone, being able to watch it in the pit, working on the set list for so long with everyone else, and then seeing it,” Trempe said.
Many upbeat songs were played throughout the past 2 and a half hours that kept the audience alive. The different rhythms and beats from the instruments played by the musicians created a funky vibe.
“Swan Lake was fun because I think it was cool hearing a classical orchestra piece in the context of drums, bass guitar, and whatnot,” Trempe said.
While the Lakewood Project spends time working hard on their music, it’s recommended to join because of the unique students and the positive vibes that makes Lakewood Project a fun atmosphere.
“It’s so fun. The people there are great, it’s hype and it’s lit,” Trempe said. “There definitely may be some points of personal struggle, but the concert makes it worth everything.”
There were many fan favorite songs throughout the night, and there were multiple songs to dance to. Creating a wonderful night for the audience and musicians.
“Good luck, Babe” [Chappel Ron] was my favorite because I could dance,” junior Mel Diemert said.
The vibe from the pit was unlike any other, with the audience chanting and cheering from multiple students. The pit always enjoys each performance by the audience, and it’s reflected in the musicians playing along.
“You get sweaty, thirsty, and it’s really loud, but it’s fun. It’s family friendly,” Diemert said.
With the night coming to an end and the seniors gathered to play together. This marked a special night for the seniors and their dedication to the Lakewood Project.
“I always like the part where they show the senior photo experience,” Diemert said.
This theme included numerous genres of music that everyone could enjoy together and have a blast dancing to their favorite songs. It’s a night to remember and filled with memories.
