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Spring Music

This morning's spring concert filled a packed Hyman Hall with music performed by our Philharmonic Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Chamber Singers. The boys in the Ensemble, conducted by Philip Hough, were up first with renditions of "The Entrance of the Queen of Sheba" (Handel) and the second movement from "Symphony No. 1 in D Major "(Mahler). Their performance was skillful, assured, and energetic.

The Percussion Ensemble, with John Francis as Director, took the stage next. Their first piece, the  contemplative  "Um Tom" (Caetano Veloso) was performed in conjunction with the Chamber Singers. This was followed by "Stew for Three" (Barnett), featuring three Eighth Grade soloists, and "Technology" (Casella), a rousing mix of sound and rhythms.

The concert closed with the beautiful singing of our Chamber Singers, directed by Phyllis Clarke. They performed their first number, "I am Singing" by Stevie Wonder, with lyrics in Swahili, Spanish and English (see video clip below). The boys then sang "Raging Fire" (Phillips) and ended the concert with  "i thank You God " from e.e. Cummings' poem (Levine).

Each year I look forward to attending the spring concert. It is the opportunity for our young musicians, who have diligently practiced all year, to showcase their accomplishments to the delight and appreciation of their teachers, classmates, and parents.

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