The Middle School Instrumental spring concert, Springtime Celebration, was held in Saperstein Theater on Thursday, May 20th. It featured six ensembles—Beginning Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Beginning Strings, Concert Strings, and Middle School Symphony (MSS). This is the second and last concert featuring all six groups this school year. Each group performed three to four songs, highlighting the students’ growth and dedication, and gave them the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they developed over months of practice and rehearsals.
MSS concertmaster Eva Chang ’29 has been in MSS all three years at the middle school, and this is her first year being concertmaster.
“It feels bittersweet, but also like a full-circle moment.” Chang said. “I’m excited to move on to upper school, but middle school and this orchestra will always be a really special place for me.”
Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band conductor Starr Wayne highlights the work that students had put in towards this concert.
“They are now able to apply advanced articulations to our music, and they are able to maintain better air support.” Wayne said. “Now, they ask for complicated music. I think at the beginning of the year it made them nervous and now it excites them!”
Concert Band clarinetist Jason Ji ’31 reflects on his experience at the concert and the emotions of playing in front of a large audience.
“I still get a little nervous sometimes especially when I walk out on stage in front of hundreds of people.” Ji said. “But once I start playing, I usually get focused and concentrate on the music.”
Before the last ensemble performed, MSS members Claire Ha ’29, Juha Kim ’29, Chang, Yuna Chung ’29, and Jolie Ding ’29 gave a short speech thanking Wayne, MSS conductor Emily Reola, and Beginning Band and Concert Band conductor Pedram Pourghazi.
“This is my last performance at middle school, so it’s really hard for me to say goodbye to this experience , but I’m so grateful for everything.” Ha said. “Ms. Reola has been such an amazing conductor and I’m glad I got to express that at the concert.”
This concert showcased every student’s hard work and dedication they had put into their instruments, and hopefully, they can continue having successful musical careers in the future.
