2023 Christmas Instrumental and Choral Concert a Resounding Success

More than 240 Middle and Upper School musicians presented their holiday concert to a full house in the Marcus D. Hurlbut Theater last week. The evening concert opened with a massed ensemble performance of “A Festive Christmas Celebration.” Director of Performing Arts Dan Pacheco said that the music selections did a great job representing the breadth of winter celebrations from around the world. 

 

Members of the Grades 6-8 Tartan Chorale, Tartan and Highlander Chorale and US Highlander Chorale carolers shared selections featuring a cappella singing in “Ubi Caritas,” the Argentinian “Avanza Navidad” and a tribute to the gospel tradition in “Who’s the Little Baby?” The Grades 6-7 Tartan Chorale, joined by grade 9 student Charlie Eifrig, played kazoos while exploring different vocal techniques during “Theme from Elf.” Each of the choral groups were directed by Choral Director Adela Kwan with accompaniment by Lex Leigh.

 

The Band performed Christmas Concert classics including “Band on the Housetop”, “A Latin Christmas: Feliz Navidad & Decks the Halls”, and “Hanukkah is Here.” The Jazz Ensemble took to the side of the stage for their rendition of “Greensleeves” arranged by Band Director Chris Carbajal and “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.”

 

Orchestra members took to the stage under the direction of Ms. Linling Hsu. Members of Grades 6 and 7 Orchestra dazzled the audience with arrangements such as “Snow Day” and “Bell Carol Tidings!” Finally, the US Orchestra performed a gorgeous rendition of “L’inverno” from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons as well as other familiar classics. 

 

The concert ended with another massed ensemble “White Christmas” building up to the “Hallelujah Chorus” with audience participation. This concert featured 85 Band students, 48 Orchestra students, 101 Choir students and 8 MS/US Tech Arts students with lighting designed by Gavin Shams, grade 10. Some of the performers participated as crossover students, participating in two ensembles or helping with tech when not on stage.