The colorful set for the upcoming spring musical clashed with the Orchestra’s intensity on Tuesday, April 18 at its final concert of the season. 

The Upper School Chamber group began the night with a Beethoven concerto, featuring Ginnie Ma’19 as a piano soloist, before an interlude of middle school performers. 

After the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade orchestras performed, four small ensembles took the stage with pieces from the OMEA contest. Each piece reflected the hard work put in by individuals to succeed in the competition. 

Finally, the Upper School orchestras closed out the night. First, the Contemporary ensemble performed two adventurous pieces, sounding almost as if they belonged in a Pirates of the Caribbean movie. “Alla Tchaikovsky” was intricate and beautiful, with familiar melodies. 

Between the Contemporary and Chamber ensembles, director Ms. Cynthia Bush handed out awards: Arts Letters and OMEA badges. In total, there were 41 OMEA medals given out, and some students were awarded multiple. There were nine letter winners: six first-year winners and three second-year winners. 

The National School Orchestra Award, given to seniors across the country, was awarded to violinist Ketan Agrawal’17. Divya Narayanan, an 8th grader who also happens to participate in the Jazz Band, won the Middle School Award. Finally, the Most Improved Middle Schooler was Alyssia Palmer, a sixth grader. 

The Upper School Chamber group closed out the night with two beautiful pieces, “Egmont Overture” and “Summer”. The latter, featuring narration by senior Natalie L’Hommedieu and violin solos by seniors Raymond Cao, Hunter Moffett, and Ketan Agrawal. 

At the end of the impressive night, Ms. Bush thanked each senior individually, showing the strong connection that they’ve built throughout their years in the Orchestra program.