Saratoga News
Style
Photograph by George Sakkestad
The choir and symphonic orchestra at Saratoga High School will join forces to present 'The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.'
'The Armed Man' is much more than just music
By Michele Tjin
Experience glory, fear, horror, sorrow and hope in one sitting.
The music students of Saratoga High School are taking on the highs and lows of war in a performance that many of them say is food for thought. The choir and symphonic orchestra perform The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace on March 24, and students hope the community will chew on their message.
"It's a nice way to remind people of alternatives to war," said sophomore choir student Myssa Spector.
The Armed Man was written on commission by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins, who composed the work in 2000 as a tribute to the British armories. Poetic texts by Rudyard Kipling, Alfred Lord Tennyson, a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing and others are woven into the composition and convey a range of feelings associated with the effects of war.
"It spoke to a lot of kids' hearts," choral director Jim Yowell said. "One movement talks about animals and the side effects of war. The animals are also left homeless. Some of them said, 'I never thought of that.' "
The performance will also incorporate a slideshow that portrays how different cultures deal with the repercussions of war. Students say the visual component adds a measure of intensity to an already emotional piece.
"It creates depth," said Paulina Tsai, a sophomore who plays cello. "It's different from just playing the music or just seeing the pictures."
Yowell said the piece was not chosen specifically as a response to the current political climate, but instead as a general call for peace. In the beginning of the performance, the students each wear a flag from a different country, and the slide show behind them expresses the sentiment of a world untouched by war. As the performance progresses, the students put on blue sashes to celebrate peace. It's a hopeful idea that young people can solve problems without battles, Yowell said.
"We have the youth before us and the hope that we can resolve differences," Yowell said.
Part of the proceeds from the performance will benefit troops overseas.
"At the end of the program, there is a page devoted to supporting the troops," Yowell said. "If it's not for what these people are doing right now, we wouldn't have the security and peace of mind. We honor those who fight on our behalf."
Students say they have been touched by the emotion of the piece. Julia Wei, a senior in the choir, remembered how Yowell warned her and other choir students about a particular loud drumbeat that was coming up. Julia didn't think much of the warning at first.
"It's huge, and everyone jumped," she said. "It's powerful."
For Michelle Vannier, the composition allows her to ponder the realities of war.
"If you listen to the words, it makes you shudder," she said. "I have awful pictures in my head, but that's what's going on."
The only exposure to war some people get are images that are broadcast on television, she said. But there is no attachment to what is seen on the news.
"We're showing a side of war most people don't really see," Michelle said. "You don't think of it in a personal aspect unless it's someone you know."
There are more than 200 students involved in the production. Senior Anastasia Yee, who plays the viola, said performing in a large ensemble is a good experience.
"It's impressive. It's a contemporary piece, and it's cool that we get to do it," she said.
The message of peace and the music will always be relevant, the students say. Their hope is to bring more awareness that there are alternatives to fighting.
"Even if we were at peace, this is still applicable," said sophomore orchestra member Grant Fukui.
Performances are March 24 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the McAfee Center at the high school, 20300 Herriman Ave. For tickets, call the school at 408.867.3411, ext. 398 or 241. Ticket prices are $8 for students and seniors and $10 for adults.
