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St. Margaret’s Students Deliver Standout Performances in 2026 Spring Concert Series
The Arts at St. Margaret’s presented its annual Middle and Upper School Spring Music Concerts, highlighting student talent and a strong close to the academic year.
Band
The performance came just one day after many of the students returned from an appearance at Carnegie Hall, adding an extra layer of challenge as students quickly shifted to an entirely new repertoire. “Our students are true rock stars,” said Band Director Chris Carbajal. “We had just flown in from performing at Carnegie Hall the day before, and the very next day, they took the stage for our Spring Band Concert—playing an entirely different repertoire. I’m proud of how they rose to the challenge and delivered outstanding performances back-to-back.”
Among the evening’s highlights was a flute solo by Gloria Zhou ‘28, which drew attention for its poise and musicality. Both the Middle School Band and Upper School Concert Band delivered confident, polished performances, reflecting steady progress over the course of the year. Jazz ensemble selections provided opportunities for advanced musicians to take on more prominent roles, with Gravitas standing out as a particularly powerful piece.
The concert concluded with a full ensemble performance of Legend of the Yankee Clippers, bringing the evening to a strong and unified close.
Orchestra
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The 2026 Spring Concert series opened with the Middle School and Upper School musicians performance in the Marcus D. Hurlbut Theater last week, delivering a dynamic Spring Band Concert that showcased both individual talent and ensemble precision. The program featured a diverse selection of pieces, showcasing the students’ technical ability and musical growth.
The performance came just one day after many of the students returned from an appearance at Carnegie Hall, adding an extra layer of challenge as students quickly shifted to an entirely new repertoire. “Our students are true rock stars,” said Band Director Chris Carbajal. “We had just flown in from performing at Carnegie Hall the day before, and the very next day, they took the stage for our Spring Band Concert—playing an entirely different repertoire. I’m proud of how they rose to the challenge and delivered outstanding performances back-to-back.”
Among the evening’s highlights was a flute solo by Gloria Zhou ‘28, which drew attention for its poise and musicality. Both the Middle School Band and Upper School Concert Band delivered confident, polished performances, reflecting steady progress over the course of the year. Jazz ensemble selections provided opportunities for advanced musicians to take on more prominent roles, with Gravitas standing out as a particularly powerful piece.
The concert concluded with a full ensemble performance of Legend of the Yankee Clippers, bringing the evening to a strong and unified close.
Orchestra
The series continued mid-week as Orchestra students across all grade levels took to the stage, delivering a polished performance that highlighted both technical skill and artistic growth.
Held in the Marcus D. Hurlbut Theater, the concert featured musicians from grades 5 through 12 under the direction of Orchestra Director Linling Hsu. The evening opened with a lively rendition of Huevos Rancheros by grade 5 and 6 students.
Grade 7 performers offered a nuanced interpretation of Two Postcards from Beijing, while the Upper School Orchestra closed the evening with Sunset Suspended.
Throughout the concert, orchestra students displayed a level of professionalism that extended beyond their years, maintaining focus and cohesion across a demanding program. Ms. Hsu’s leadership was highlighted by a moment in which she simultaneously conducted and performed on the violin.
“I could not be more proud of how each student delivered their very best on stage,” Ms. Hsu said. “Not only did they perform with strong technical skill, but they played with heart—and that is the very best kind of music-making.”
Choir
Choir
The final concert showcased St. Margaret’s Middle and Upper School choir students that emphasized connection, creativity and musical range.
Directed by Adela Kwan, director of choir music and accompanied by Lex Leigh alongside three live musicians, the concert featured a diverse repertoire spanning multiple genres and styles. Selections included the ethereal Flight, the reverent Cantique, and the harmonically layered opening of Seize the Day, each highlighting the ensemble’s technical ability and expressive depth.
The performance of Apple Tree highlighted the choir’s growth and cohesion, while a Yacht Rock Medley brought a lighter tone to the evening, prompting audience members to sing along. Throughout the program, students demonstrated increasing confidence and stage presence, with several solo moments drawing strong audience response.
Mrs. Kwan said the program was designed to reflect shared experiences within the ensemble. “This year’s program celebrated connection, growth and joy—values that have meant a great deal to the choir,” she said. “Through innovation, tradition and a wide range of musical styles, our choirs reflect the emotions that shape us and the strength of belonging.”
She also noted the unity displayed across grade levels and experience. “The cohesion heard in such a large, diverse group was especially meaningful,” Mrs. Kwan said, adding that soloists and instrumentalists contributed to the emotional impact of the performance.
One of the evening’s notable moments included a solo by a grade 7 student, whose performance emphasized themes of lasting connection and community within the choir. The concert concluded to applause, marking the culmination of a season defined by artistic growth and a strong sense of ensemble unity.
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
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