Pianist Anthony Ratinov is the Blast Band’s student conductor. Photo Contributed
Earth, wind, fire, water — these elements have influenced culture throughout history as well as music since society’s early beginnings. “Blast From the Past 27 – Elements” will present a testimony to their power through vocals and dance performances of songs such as “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel, “Rain” by the Beatles, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis and “I Feel the Earth Move” by Carole King.
“Blast From the Past” has been a long-standing musical success at Winston Churchill High School (WCHS) showcasing the talents of the student cast and technical/production crew, as well as the dedication of the director, technical director and the parents.
The show requires the efforts of 150 students who serve not only as singers, dancers, band members, carpenters, sound and audio technicians and choreographers — but who search for just the right costume, dedicatedly practice dance moves and support one another and their teachers when yet another snow day is called by Montgomery County. The extravaganza is packed with energy and enthusiasm – and has been a “not-to-be-missed” show within the Potomac community for 27 years.
Matt Albright, Churchill’s choral instructor, is directing “Blast” for the third time.
“Each year, I am astounded by the amazing talent and creativity of our students,” he said. “That is why as a teacher, I believe students should gain the experience of creating Blast themselves. Not only can we foster intellectual and creative pursuits, but we allow them to become an integral part of a larger piece of the artistic puzzle we as artists try to create. As they become intrinsically committed to the production, they learn the true value of communication and artistic exploration with their peers. Blast 27 is a student-run production from student musical arrangements, choreography, light and sound design to vocal performance.”
Albright explained that he would not have been able to develop the show without the help of his student leaders as well as Production Designer and Technical Director Benjamin Schnapp and Lighting Designer Kristofer Sanz. Most of the student leaders are graduating seniors who have performed in previous productions.
Company Manager and Vocal Captain Anna Votaw said, “This year’s Blast is so different for me because, as a senior, I appreciate it so much more. I have to savor every minute because I will never be able to be a part of this production again. It’s wonderful but sad — and I’m so glad I could be a part of it.”
Since the founder and lead singer of the band Earth Wind and Fire died this year, the Blast Band and the Churchill Showstoppers will be performing “In the Stone” and “Shining Star.” Contemporary tunes, such as “Fireball” by Pitbull, “Burnin’ Up “ by the Jonas Brothers and “Burn” by Ellie Goulding will be interspersed with crowd-favorites such as “Cry Me a River,” “River Deep, Mountain High,” and “Ring of Fire” — representing a variety of music genres.
Many of the vocal arrangements were created by senior Natalie Hwang and the band arrangements were done by senior Anthony Ratinov. Both have studied piano since they were four years old, and both enjoy writing arrangements.
“I enjoy teaching the music after I write the arrangement. It’s very satisfying to listen to the harmonies of the vocalists,” Hwang said.
Besides writing the band arrangements, Ratinov serves as the student conductor. “We have 15 band volunteers who have worked really hard to learn all the arrangements. Being a part of Blast has been the best experience,” he said. “The collaboration of the singers, dancers, musicians, and tech people with sound and lighting is so amazing and wonderful — and it really shows during the performances.”
All of the performers appreciate the camaraderie and friendships formed during the rehearsals. “We are a family and we can rely on one-another,” said senior Hrishi Balaji. “We have so much fun working towards the goal of a great performance and becoming supportive friends while we practice and perform. This has been a great opportunity to learn how much talent we have at Churchill, too. I’m glad I was able to be a part of a wonderful Churchill tradition.”
Performances will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12, Friday and Saturday March 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, March 20 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for students and $20 for all others and are available at the door one hour before the performance or online at www.wchsarts.com. “Blast from the Past 27-Elements” will be held at Winston Churchill High School Auditorium, 11300 Gainsborough Road, Potomac.