Spring Music Comes to Life!

On May 16, 2014, in Shallcross Hall, the Middle School instrumental groups rocked the crowd with an enthralling performance.  The Middle School Orchestra played a wide variety of pieces from Adele’s “Skyfall” to Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.” The Jazz Band played several enjoyable pieces such as the lively “Jive Samba” and the intense “Smells like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana. The Middle School Chorus performed a medley of styles and musical techniques including a cappella and show tunes.  “This concert had fantastic repertoire by the Chorus and included songs like “I Won’t Say I’m In Love,” says Annie Roberts, an eighth grade flutist and singer. Another exciting performance was the premiere of the Middle School iPad Ensemble. They played a song on iPads by Brahms.

Evan Sweitzer, sixth grade clarinetist and pianist in Jazz Band and Orchestra, promised the concert “would be a huge success” and we were not disappointed.  He loved expressing himself in a concert format, and he said, “I just went up and let it roll itself out.” The Phoenix Inquirer staff interviewed Lisa Green, a sixth grade Chorus member, and she said, “It went over really well and everyone in the audience enjoyed it.” Charlotte Davison, an eighth grade second clarinetist, said, “It was our last Middle School concert [as eighth graders] and we had put so much effort into this repertoire. Everyone should have heard us play.” Anjali Gupta, an eighth grade oboist also in Jazz Band and Orchestra, loved engaging the audience with the beautiful music the groups had prepared. She received a soloistic mention from Mr. Bradley for “Skyfall.”

In Jazz Band, the group prepared solos throughout the year, culminating in the final showing of their talent. The students did a fantastic job and thoroughly impressed the families at the concert. Some went so far to say it was the best of the past four years.

Annie Roberts commented on “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” and said that she enjoyed the challenge it provided. Her favorite song is “No Surprises” because it brings back memories, as it is enjoyed by the audience year after year. Annie declared, “It was nice to end with such a big oomph.”

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