(Courtesy CA Flickr)

Academy hosted one final week of performing arts, a celebration of talent and dedication its students have cultivated throughout the year, kicking off with the Concert Band on Tuesday, April 29, followed by the orchestra’s performance on Wednesday, April 30,  ending with Cabaret on Saturday, May 3.

Concert Band

Concert Band performed in the Jones Gym and celebrated Senior Night. A fast-paced Spanish March song, “Amparito Roca,” arranged by Jaime Texidor, opened the show, with its bright brass fanfares, crisp percussion, and dynamic tempo shifts. Next, seniors Ridah A., Adrianna B., Phin B-M., Mircea B., Kaitlyn C., Ella F., Lucy I., Indigo K., Seth L, Andy L., Sophie L., Carolina M., Emma S., and Clara S. received honors for their dedication and aptitude they have brought to life over the years.  Following the break was another lively piece, “Excursion!” composed by Lisa Galvin, one of the numbers the band performed during contest season, featuring a sophisticated clarinet solo played by Emma J. Awards and varsity letters went to students who showed an a dded commitment to band outside of class, such as participating in Solo and Ensemble competitions or additional Honor Bands. 

Devin L. and Emma each won the most valuable new member award: Devin for his enthusiasm  and dedication to music, and Emma for her mastery and musicality on the clarinet.  The French horn section of Ridah, William D., Timothy F., and Nathan M., won the most improved award. Cayden M. won the most improved individual for his commitment to learning the clarinet.Carolina M.won The John Philip Sousa Award, which is a nationwide award in the majority of school band programs that recognizes superior musicianship, leadership, dependability, loyalty, cooperation, and other qualities.

The finale of a 14-minute long playthrough of Disney’s The Lion King soundtrack, featuring classics such as “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “Hakuna Matata,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” and “Be Prepared.” 

Orchestra

Next on schedule was Orchestra, which included both advanced and standard sections, performing in the Dining Hall. The concert commenced with Laufey’s “From the Start” by Laufey, a jazzy pop tune that set a smooth and playful tone for the evening. “Humoresque” by Antonín Dvořák followed, building on the playful mood and featuring solos by Sophie W. on the violin and Alester X. on the cello. Seniors celebrated included AA., Jacob B., Katie J., Olivia K., Jennifer L., Harry L., Morgan L., Ted L., Andrew S., Sunil S., Xander V., Alester, and Hansheng X. During the ceremony, students delivered heartfelt speeches, reminiscing about their time spent together.

Next up was Dvořák’s “Largo,” a nostalgic, melancholy, and moving piece, seemingly reflecting the sadness of the graduating senior class. The night closed off with “Lion City” by Soon Hee Newbold, sharply contrasting “Largo” with bright, fast-paced melodies.

Choir

Closing out the week, Cabaret hosted its final concert and celebrated its Senior Night with a Spotify theme, as decorations of vines, flowers and lights decorated the room. Honored were Tammana A., Lydia B., Molly F., Grace, H., Lucy I., Morgan L., Sydney L., Christina L., Carolina M., Skylar M., Arnav N., Datse T., and Katie V. With an impressive entrance from the Dining Hall stairwell, Choir began with Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”  Following the soloists, the tenor-bass section sand Sinatra’s “Fly Me To the Moon” by Frank Sinatra. The soprano-altos then performed “Since You’ve Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson, followed by the alto-bass’s “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John. Next was “The Bones” by Maren Morris. 

Datse T. and Arnav N. received the Choral National Award, and Katie V. and Christina L’H. collected the Directors Choice award. Additionally, Varsity letters and pins were received. Highlights were Christina receiving her first pin and Arnav receiving his second, lettering three times. 

The concert ended with a moving performance from the choir seniors of “Rivers and Roads” by The Head and the Heart. During the performance, each senior gave their family a rose. Following this performance, the whole choir sang “See You Again” by Charlie Puth, with the concert ending with the seniors exiting via the stairwell where they entered, while the rest of the group stayed behind, symbolising their goodbyes to the senior class.

From Concert Band to Orchestra to Cabaret, each event showcased the students’ commitment. 

Thanks to all the performers, teachers, and seniors who made this week of celebration possible.