Orchestra to play spooky tunes during trick-or-treat event
The halls and auditorium at the Butler Intermediate High School will once again be transformed into a spine-tingling Halloween venue next week, as the fifth annual Orchestra Spooktacular takes over at the school.
Katie Black, orchestra director, said doors will open at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, and trick-or-treating will begin at 6:15 p.m.
She explained that Butler orchestra students in grades nine through 12 decorate the doors in the school’s music wing, or “Haunted Hallway.”
Children collect candy at each door.
“The trick-or-treaters will first go through the Haunted Hallway, then loop back into the auditorium, where the orchestra will perform a variety of spooky music,” Black said.
She said about 100 orchestra musicians, who also will be in costume, will play seven spooky songs, including “Ghostbusters” and “Thriller.”
“I’m definitely pushing them musically, but also, they have to work together to decorate the doors,” Black said. “It’s about building community in the orchestra too.”
Children are invited to attend in their Halloween costumes to collect some candy and listen to the orchestra.
“A lot of times, the parents and grandparents will dress up too,” Black said.
She said first-timers at the Spooktacular can’t believe the decorations and caliber of the musical performance.
“A lot of people, the first time they attend, they are in shock over just how much is involved in this event,” Black said.
She said the orchestra performance kicks off the season for the students.
“This will be their first performance of the year,” Black said.
The first Orchestra Spooktacular, in 2019, drew about 150 people. The event was held in the hallway and cafeteria at that time.
“Two years ago, we moved to the auditorium,” Black said. “Now, we almost fill the auditorium, which is like 1,000 people.”
No registration is required for the event. A $5 per-person donation is suggested to support the orchestra.
