(December 19, 2001) –Kicking off the holiday season with a starlit concert in the amphitheatre, the Glendale District Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, joined by guest ensemble, the Panther Prelude, entertained members of the community in an hour-long concert that began at 6:30 p.m. The decision to host the concert at Clark was made in hopes of “bring[ing] music, fun and entertainment to Clark,” said Music Club adviser Carol Pettegrew. Since over 30 members of the two orchestras are Clark students, the concert was a way of “showing the Clark family what their students are doing” and create “community involvement,” explained conductor Craig Kupka. The orchestra played a variety of Americana-style songs, which included the traditional “Amazing Grace” and Aaron Copland’s “John Henry,” as well as classical pieces such as Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture op. 84” and “Symphony No. 84” by Haydn and two holiday medlies, “Santa’s Classical Christmas” and “A Bach Christmas.” The Panther Prelude played Canon in D. Due to recent national events, the orchestras have been playing more patriotic pieces and opening each concert with “America the Beautiful” in honor of those who serve the US, according to Kupka. Due to the cold weather, concertgoers brought blankets, dressed warmly and enjoyed the cookies and hot chocolate sold by Clark’s Music Club. The amphitheatre was lit by stand lights for the musicians and twinkle lights in the background and along the handrails. Clark’s ASB helped decorate for the event. “It was a really nice evening,” commented teacher Fred Blattner. “It was great to see the musicians meet the challenges that were before them.”