The musical pep rally may be coming back, and in even bigger ways. LASA is now performing live music a few times per semester in the different courtyards. Music will be spread out by having a different genre correspond to each courtyard, like a music festival or ACL.

 According to principal Crecenzi, the courtyards are not quite at the condition needed to have performances, but over time, there are plans to get them there. Because the school is still being built in some areas, it may take a while. Freshman Maya Cannedy-Azim said she thinks that the courtyards have potential. 

 “I think that outside is a great spot, as long as it’s in the shade and has a chair in the shade, people will want to perform there if there is a chair and it’s in the shade,” Cannedy-Azim said. “It’s sometimes hard to play in the sun so if it’s in a safe, comfortable place you’re good.” 

Everyone gets to experience different types of music during these events, whether it is students’ favorite songs or cultural music, all is welcomed. Another benefit of the music is everyone being able to go to the different courtyards. Principal Crescenzi thinks that this benefit is really important. 

“You don’t want other kids to feel like, ‘Oh, I can’t go in there, because that’s so-and-so’s courtyard,’” Crescenzi said. “So the more we sort of allow other things to happen in those courtyards so that everybody feels like it’s a space they can go.” 

 The inspiration behind this is from the school who was in the building before LASA. Eastside Memorial High used to have multicultural potlucks in the courtyards where there would be different food from different places all over the world. Crescenzi wanted to do something similar, so she came up with the idea of different cultures or genres of music in the courtyards instead of the potlucks. 

“So, we’d like to use this sort of model of different things happening at the same time in different courtyards throughout the year for things beyond music,” Crescenzi said.

Crescenzi also wants to do other things and may even bring back the potlucks once COVID-19 has slowed down. Another possible option is different cultural clothing which could go along with the different potlucks. 

There are many things that have to be perfect for the plan to be executed well. The people who organize the performances will have to check sound pollution between the different courtyards to make sure there isn’t overlap, not to mention getting the courtyards cleared for entry.

“We don’t even have corporate allowing anybody in over half of them, but we’re working on that,” Crescenzi said. 

Junior Will Bolduc enjoyed the music. He believes a better sound system would add to the experience, though. 

“I thought the music was very good, although the speaker quality left a little to be desired,” Bolduc said. 

Getting speakers for the different instruments and making the courtyards a safe place to play is another thing that needs to be done before the music can start. Currently, there is not a great speaker system set up. 

 “I think the other thing that would be helpful is we would need five or six sound systems,” Crescenzi said.

Her staff is working hard to get things worked out, but with everything going on, the first performance might be later this semester or early of next. Anyone who can perform is welcomed, students and staff, and everything from singing to playing an instrument is welcome, too. Sign-up methods and dates have not yet been decided, but they are hoping to be able to do this at least once or twice a semester.

“I think this would be wonderful,” Crescenzi said. “I think that part of the culture that we want to have is one that is welcoming and supportive of all students. And it might seem like something small, but the music that we love, whether it’s what we listened to on the radio, or we play on our phones, or that we write or perform is something really personal and special. I think that students can share that with each other, and maybe step out of their own comfort zone and listen to what their friends or their classmates are interested in. I think it’s only going to solidify more of an open minded welcoming culture.”