By Andrea Repetz and McKenna Buehler

   This year’s winter holiday concert marked a paramount milestone for the Cedar Cliff music department. On December 20th, 2017 Cedar Cliff held its annual holiday concert, combining all music ensembles in a night of musical celebration. The format, however, was different than ever before. For the first time, the performance was staged as a “mosaic concert”, and it was met with tremendous success.

   A mosaic concert is fast-paced, featuring back-to-back performances from various ensembles with no transition time, introduction, or even applause. To achieve this, the entire performance venue must be utilized with unique staging and a specific timetable. It is a serious undertaking that requires extensive planning. From the time the concert began at 7 p.m., performances ran continually for 52 minutes of music. Atmospheric details featured choreographed entrances, curtain usage, and songs by candlelight and starlight.

   The winter mosaic began as an idea from orchestra director Brian Buterbaugh. He, and all the other directors, are very pleased with the performance. “It was the most fun, most stressful, and highest quality performance I’ve done as a high school director,” said Buterbaugh. History teacher Kenneth Gehosky brought his whole family to the concert. “What a great show! I feel sort of bad for the whole rest of the world that wasn't there.”

   The mosaic culminated with a rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy” to serve as the finale. Beginning with a haunting solo from senior Laura Mueller, all musical ensembles came together to create mass of moving sound. It was an epic conclusion followed by uproarious applause and a standing ovation. Gehosky said, “By the end, during the Little Drummer Boy finale, I was nearly bursting with tears. No kidding.”

   “Musicians are, by definition, selfless people. We perform for the benefit of others, and we want the audience to have a good time regardless of whatever hard work we have to put in. The applause like we got at the end of the concert is a huge deal. It matters,” Buterbaugh said.