March 8th marks the beginning of a new trend in Saint Louis, maybe even the beginning of a new tradition. It was the first concert of this type that the school ever had, and it surprised students expecting a typical assembly, quickly turning moods around.

The concert that marked the beginning of the trend is the Steel Pulse band, who performed reggae and got everyone hyped, and on the dance floor. The second one that was held, was a unique bell choir that produced heavenly sounds that were completely unexpected.   Most, if not all students enjoyed both of the performances, some with conflicting opinions on which was better. “I thought the Bell Choir was unique because I have never seen anything like it before,” shared Eighth Grader Kendrick Jokura, “but the reggae concert was cool because it was the first real concert type of event that I was in.” 

Of course, this concert caught many by surprise, as it was kept mostly a secret. “I was kinda shocked, because I didn’t expect to have any concert,” said Eight Grader Brennan Bocobo, “I thought it was just going to be small, just with our families and stuff, and I didn’t know that there would be so many people.”  However, some had an idea beforehand that it would be a concert. “I already knew it was going to be a reggae concert,” explained senior Zander Woolsey, “I’ve definitely heard rumors going around that it would be a reggae concert, and they were coming.” 

The concerts themselves were met with overwhelming positivity, with most people agreeing that it was a nice change of pace from our regular assemblies. “I think that they did a pretty good job,” said Bocobo, “keeping at least everybody focused on the concert and not just everybody focusing on something else, I wouldn’t change anything.”   In fact, most people are looking forward to future concerts already. “I’d like more concerts, if they could bring a variety of genres,” stated Eighth Grader Kendrick Jokura, “but even if they just keep it local reggae, I think it’s fine.” 

The entire idea of the concerts was discussed in previous years and was put into action this year. “It all started with Mana Maui, or Mana Mele, so I think a couple years ago right before Covid, we were going through professional development with Mana Mele, trying to get more music and culture into the school, and so this is one of the ways that we were able to do that this year.” explains  Assistant Activities Director and teacher, Tasha Castro, the event organizer. “They contacted me, and they were like ‘Hey, we got this awesome opportunity to have this concert, what do you think?’” 

Not only did the students enjoy the event, but the faculty had fun as well. “With Steel Pulse, it was really nice to see everyone out there and enjoying themselves,” said Castro.  “Even the teachers, to see this group that they grew up with. Like with Mr. Casupang, I know this is like one of his favorite groups. It was nice to be able to see them out there enjoying themselves, and kind of letting go and having a good time.” 

Students have also been wondering what future concerts are in store, what groups and genres are in the works. “I think if I continue to work and build this relationship with Mana Mele that we would be able to get different groups in. I think if anyone knows or has any connections, as you know, we don’t have a lot of money, a lot of funds,” explains Castro,  “bringing in bands requires you to have that, and we’ve been lucky with Mana Mele, they’ve sponsored all of these concerts for us, so we didn’t have to pay anything, but if anyone knows any bands that are willing to come and perform for us, let us know, and we’ll set it up.”