St. Margaret’s Showcase Musical Excellence in 2025 Spring Concert Series

The Hurlbut Theater resonated with music, talent, and heartfelt farewells last week as The Arts at St. Margaret’s presented its annual Middle School and Upper School Spring Music Concerts.

The series opened with the Middle School and Upper School band concert, featuring a dynamic lineup of 120 student musicians. Band Director Chris Carbajal led 51 students from band grades 6–7, 51 students from the grades 8–12 in concert band, and 18 members of the Upper School Jazz Ensemble through an engaging program that spanned continents and genres—from traditional Chinese folk melodies to modern pop hits by Bruno Mars.

A highlight of the evening came with freshman Gloria Zhou’s solo performance of Flute Concerto, Movement 1, followed by an energetic saxophone choir arrangement of “Despacito.” The concert concluded with a rousing rendition of selections from Wicked, earning enthusiastic applause.

At the close of the performance, Mr. Carbajal expressed gratitude to his fellow arts faculty and honored nine graduating seniors—some of whom he has taught since Lower School. “Their commitment to music has been above and beyond,” he said. “I’m proud of the musicians they have become and the ones they are yet to be.”

The celebration of musical artistry continued on Wednesday evening with the Middle School and Upper School Orchestra Concert. Linling Hsu, orchestra director, led the evening featuring performances from Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School orchestras in a program designed to highlight musical collaboration across grade levels.

The grade 6 orchestra opened with a poignant “Beethoven Lullaby.” The concert quickly evolved into a showcase of creativity and cross-disciplinary partnerships. Grade 7 students Claire Fan and Chloe Zhang impressed with a synchronized “Piano Four Hands,” while Oliver Dai and Shirin Shorooghi energized the audience with a lively ‘70s medley. Grade 8 pianist Philip Pflueger partnered with dancer Wanika Zhang in an artistic presentation of “Idea No. 10,” blending music and movement.

The Upper School string quartet delivered a graceful interpretation of Schubert’s “Serenade,” while the grades 8–12 orchestra and orchestra honors ensembles took on the works of Vivaldi and Gershwin. The evening reached a cinematic climax with music from The Theory of Everything, enhanced by a custom video produced by Cinematic Arts teacher Karen Bennett.

The final number, “A Festival Rondo,” united students across all divisions for a complex and joyous performance, capping off the concert with a standing ovation. Ms. Hsu closed the night by honoring senior Allie Dandel for her years of dedication, praising her leadership and growth.

The final concert was the Spring Choir Concert, with more than 100 Middle and Upper School students taking part in an uplifting celebration of musical talent, creativity, and community. Directed by Adela Kwan, director of choral music, with accompaniment by Lex Leigh, music director, the concert showcased a diverse array of performances from students in grades 6 through 12.

The evening featured ensembles from grade 6 choir, grade 7 Tartan Chorale, Middle and Upper School Lunch choirs, and grades 8–12 Highlander Chorale, culminating in the debut performance of the newly formed Highlander Madrigals. Under Ms. Kwan’s direction, the concert was designed to inspire awe, love, and joy—emotions that echoed throughout the auditorium as students embraced improvisation and expressive freedom.

“We encouraged students to have fun, to take risks, and to find their voices,” said Ms. Kwan.

This spirit of experimentation was on full display when grade 7 Tartan Chorale performed the rhythmic hit “Cups,” concluding with a visually striking cup pyramid built live on stage. The Highlander Chorale followed with an a cappella rendition of “Apple Tree.” 

The concert’s finale brought the entire choir family together for a powerful medley that included “Life is a Highway,” the emotionally charged “Sunday” from tick, tick...Boom!, and a heartfelt version of “Stand by Me,” which was dedicated to the tight-knit choir community.

The evening also served as a moment of recognition for graduating seniors Greta Blau, Ian Ekvall, Tessa Maryott, and Katie Meggers, who were honored by Ms. Kwan for their leadership and commitment to the arts.