On Friday, December 6, 2013, the Friends’ Central vocal and instrumental ensembles provided an enjoyable night full of music for our community. Student musicians rehearse once or twice a week, culminating in two concerts per school year. The Orchestra had no particular theme for their repertoire, and instead played a variety of pieces including “Shenandoah,” a beautiful, slow-moving song that they dedicated to Mrs. Quinn, who was “completely overjoyed and also deeply moved” by it. The melody, played by oboist Anjali Gupta with assistance from pianist Galen Cassidy, was written and modified by Carl Bradley, the MS Orchestra and Jazz Band director. “This concert wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication Mr. Bradley put forth into this performance,” Anjali Gupta, eighth grade oboist, said. Mr. Bradley brings energy, focus, and responsibility to every practice and is a great inspiration to the growing musicians.
The Jazz Band impressed the audience with lively tunes such as “Don’t Blame Me” and “Pleasant Pheasant.” Almost every student played an incredible improvisational solo, which they prepare in their group sessions with assistance from Mr. Bradley. The Chorus sang several holiday songs, taking the spirit of the winter season to a whole new level. Highlights of the choral performance include “S’Vivon,” “Grown-Up Christmas List,” and “African Noel.” The combination of entire chorus parts and featured soloists made the vocal half of the concert an interesting and memorable event. “Mr. Ramsey has worked unbelievably hard to put together this choral performance. We all appreciate the effort he has put into making our singing the best it can be,” Sophie Geagan, a singer in the chorus, says. The concert ended with eighth graders from all three groups presenting flowers and words of thanks to their spectacular directors, Mr. Bradley and Mr. Ramsey. Because of their amazing work and patience, the concert was a huge success.