As the year begins, so do GOTAK rehearsals. The Celtic performing ensemble is a staple in the community and can often be seen putting on a show around Grand Haven. This year, GOTAK is starting early with their first performance of the year on Oct. 7.
“Typically we start in like, February, and it’s October,” senior Emily Sweringa said. “We’ve been working really hard to get everything down and ready, and it’s going pretty well and I like watching the newbies learn everything. We’ve been throwing a lot at them pretty quick.”
The club has grown over the years and is a great source of enjoyment for the community. This first concert is put on at Lowell Middle School. They are performing to demonstrate alternative string styles for the students at Lowell.
“I watched GOTAK when I was in middle school and I was like, that’s fun,” Sweringa said. “Like you can play fast things and they look like they’re having fun.”
GOTAK students have worked hard these past couple of weeks to prepare, and are excited to show what they have learned. For some of these students who have stuck with the program throughout their high school careers, this is a big year.
“Honestly, I’m just trying to have as much fun as I can,” senior PJ Young said. “I’m just making as many friends as possible and making sure that the next generation of ‘GOTAK-ians’ are excited to keep the traditions going and to keep the club alive.”