Outdoor Concert Showcases Middle School Talent

The Middle School’s highly anticipated performing arts event showcased an impressive range of student talent and skill. Under the direction of Mr. Pat Miller, the band took the stage, exciting the crowd with an upbeat rendition of “The Tempest.” Tropical vibes flowed through the audience during the three grade-level performances on steel drums, including rhythmic versions of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” “Oye Como Va,” and “Stir It Up.” Toes were tapping to their closing piece, a solid performance of Pierre La Plante’s “Minka’s Sleigh Ride.”

The orchestra, directed by Mrs. Nicole Young, began with the traditional fiddle tune, “Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley Grow” featuring several soloists on violin and viola. They smoothly moved into their next pieces, including Dvorak’s “Largo from Symphony No. 9 (New World)” and “Viking” by Soon Hee Newbold. In addition to the more traditional works, the orchestra played two contemporary pieces, “Feel It Still,” by Portugal the Man, and “High Hopes,” by Panic at the Disco. 

The talented chorus members closed the concert with four moving pieces focused on self-esteem and positivity. Directed by Ms. Hoff, the group sang Colbie Caillat’s empowering “Try,” “A Million Dreams” with soloist Jules Whittemore ’27, and “What Makes You Beautiful” by pop group One Direction. The final song, Adele’s melodic “Rolling in the Deep,” impressed the audience who showed their appreciation with thunderous applause.