PHOTOS: Tartan Musicians Take the Stage at Spring Music Concerts

St. Margaret’s Upper School and Middle School musicians took to the stage last week, as the spring music concerts took place on the Hurlbut Theater stage over three nights.

 

“Seeing students come together as a team to produce such beautiful music is not only inspiring, but also a testament to the power of education and community,” Director of the Performing Arts Dan Pacheco said.

 

The Spring Band Concert featured 94 students in the two divisions under the direction of St. Margaret’s Band Director Chris Carbajal. The concert opened with the Grades 8-12 Concert Band performing “Amparito Roca” before the MS Band took to the stage. The pieces they played were described as joyful, heroic and bold. Mr. Carbajal joined the Jazz Ensemble as they performed four pieces that featured many student solos. The success of the ensemble relies upon each musician being strong individually on their instruments in order to execute the pieces. Additionally, student performers rotated on instruments, such as piano and percussion. 

 

The following evening was the Spring Orchestra Concert. Orchestra Director Linling Hsu led 40 Middle School and Upper School students in their spring concert. The grades 6 and 7 performers began the concert with very impressive pieces including “Jupiter Rising” from The Planets. Senior Ali Botuchis performed “Theme from Sabrina” on violin before the grades 8-12 Orchestra and Orchestra Honors performed. Their piece, “Spring” from The Four Seasons was a beautiful opening to their section. The evening ended on a crescendo with the Finale, “Them” from The Incredibles, by MS and US Orchestras.

 

The week concluded with the Spring Choral Concert, with Choir Director Adela Kwan leading the MS and US Choir students. The theme for this evening was Nexum in Voce (Voices in Unity). St. Margaret’s accompanist, Lex Leigh, joined the 75 Middle School and Upper School student performers on stage. The concert featured student soloists as well as pieces from movies and musicals. The Grades 6-12 Highlander Chorale performed six pieces, including “Seasons of Love” from Rent, before the two finale pieces, “Sunday” from Sunday in the Park with George and “I Want it That Way” by The Backstreet Boys. Ms. Kwan said that she hoped the evening was “filled with joy and fun and shared love for the children and music.”