On Wednesday, October 17, Pine Crest students put on the fall “Playing for Change” charity concert. The upper school students had the opportunity to showcase their musical aptitude with the support of their friends and family in the audience. The concert took place in Stacy Auditorium and was open to the entire Pine Crest community.  

This year, proceeds from the concert went to Best Buddies, an international organization that supports and creates an opportunity for those with developmental disabilities. Junior Justin Koolik, the co-chair of Playing for Change and co-president of the Best Buddies Club, encouraged everyone to attend the concert to support the performers and the cause. 

Koolik noted that “being able to be co-chair of Playing for Change and having the opportunity to combine the concert with Best Buddies was one of the coolest things.” 

The participants of this year’s show practiced diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for their performances.  Sophomore Riley Robertson explained that, “Carys and I prepared for this year’s performance by rehearsing in the mornings before school.” 

This year’s show had a wide array of genres and instruments showcased such as rock classics like “ATL” by Highly Suspects, as well as modern pop ballads like “Jealous” by Labrinth, and “I Know What You Did Last Summer” by Shawn Mendes. This year’s performance even included an original song by junior Jade Klacko entitled “Crossroads.” 

Sophomore Justin Vainder expressed his gratitude for the concert, saying that “you get to see a different side of your friends and the people you see in the halls every day.”

Through the love of music, and the proclivity to help those in need, Playing for Change is a Pine Crest tradition that showcases the talent of the students in a way that brings unity to our school community.