Thirdcloud Publications Surf City Strand Mag January 2016 | Page 9

Recorded in October of 1965 during the Rubber
Soul sessions, the collaboration between Paul
McCartney and John Lennon on “We Can Work
It Out,” serves the perfect example for this group
of APA students. McCartney wrote the words
and music to the verses and the chorus, with
Lennon providing the counterpoint “Life is very
short. There’s no time for fussing and fighting,
my friend.” The arrangement was musically
enhanced with the contribution of George
Harrison’s waltz-time idea that leads back into the
verse.
As with the Beatles, collaboration is a learned
experience and an essential life skill that director
Jamie Knight knows will serve these aspiring high
school performers throughout their entire life.
The Beatles’ Story: 1965 production was no
small undertaking. Both students and the
community are being well served by his
direction—far beyond the music alone.
The evening began with “Girls of the British
Invasion.” A pre-show performance from
freshman and sophomore students who projected
a level of accomplishment that might be summed
with just an expression—WOW! No, WOW
again! In a compilation of 15 songs, this group of
talented students set the table, transporting the
audience back to an era that many—myself
included—actually experienced.
In a lively fast paced production that covered a
total of 36 songs, The Beatles’ Story: 1965 was
delivered in two acts. Every song was
professionally executed and the performers
challenged like journeyman of the trade. There
was a lot of organization, lighting and media work
that went into supporting this production
including video clips edited for historical context.
Regardless of who was performing at the
moment, it seemed that everyone had a job and
knew what to do all the time.

At the risk of being cliché, the entire production
was awesome. Student’s energetically hustled
onto and off the stage keeping the production
lively and always entertaining. There is a lot to
say here, but this is not intended to be a musical
critique.
Bob Quinn, whose granddaughter Hanna Quinn
was the lead vocalist in the closing number “I’m
Looking Through You,” told us that he was
“thankful for the program’s positive influence on
her High School experience.” He thought that
Hanna had formed what were sure to become
lifelong friendships while developing “her talents
and confidence.”
Quinn was also quick to acknowledge “a great
group of motivating instructors and Mr. Knight as
a constant source of enthusiasm for the arts.”
On behalf of an audience who thinks of
themselves as neither old nor crusty, thanks for
giving this younger generation an experience they
too will cherish.