The beginning of the second semester is a slow start for most students, but for the Timberline Choir, it is the most hectic time of the year. Fresh from the caroling season in December, the Timberline Encore Choir began rehearsal for their dinner show: “Hello Dolly”. The show centers around the life of Dolly Levi, a wealthy widow in Yonkers, New York- who is an expert matchmaker. The show will premiere on February 21st, just a month after “Hello Dolly’s” 60th anniversary. The Encore Choir is hard at work to create the best show possible. They rehearse every day after school. “It’s great to have that time blocked out just to spend time with these people and bond over our common interests; it is just really amazing,” said senior: Zeke Griffin, who plays the male lead Cornelius Hackel, a young awkward man who runs away to New York to escape his hectic work life. 

Not only are rehearsals a time to practice and learn the musical, but they are also a time to grow and build the Choir family. Family is a core value of Timberline’s Choir; they go on a retreat every year to connect and bond with each other. They also go on a trip to Disneyland to compete in a competition while strengthening their bond and their choral skills.”Everyone is so supportive and we help each other with costume changes, wig changes, and makeup. I think that our family bond has helped us create a bigger and better show,” said senior Lauren Branin, who plays Dolly. While “Hello Dolly” is all about new beginnings, it is also a bittersweet show for the seniors who have to say goodbye to their choir family this year.

These seniors will leave a lasting legacy of positivity and community. Griffin wants to be remembered as a person who was not afraid to take risks and as a person who wasn’t afraid to be himself. “I want to pave the way for people who might not do things because they’re afraid of how people will view them,” said Griffin. This will be the last dinner show for Branin and Griffin; both are planning on continuing their musical theater careers after graduation. For them it is very important that the choir gets the recognition it deserves.” Choir has given me such a music appreciation and it honestly takes so much work” said Branin. The Encore Choir genuinely puts their whole hearts into this musical. “Support for the arts is so important and the impact it has on us as performers is so positive,” said Griffin. 

Tickets for Hello Dolly are on sale now! Opening night is February 21st at 7 pm, but Thursday, February 22nd is student night, tickets will be discounted for Timberline students. So make sure to get tickets to support our music department and say farewell to our Encore and musically talented seniors. It’s your last chance to see this class on the musical stage, so don’t miss it!