The winter season brings snow, colder days, and for Band, Chorus, and Orchestra students, concerts! Haverford High School’s music students put together two amazing performances: the Band and Orchestra concert on December 13th and the Chorus concert on December 19th. 

String Orchestra kicked off the night with three pieces, including music from the classic holiday movie Home Alone, an interpretation of composer Yukiko Nishimura’s ethereal “Sweet New Moon,” and an inspiring finish with soloist Tiffany Lin’s playing interweaving with the melodies of “Primrose Hill.” Next came the High School’s String Ensemble, with skillful harmonies and Lin returning for another solo in “Dreaming.”   String Ensemble closed out the Orchestra portion of the concert with the swashbuckling “Perseus.” Concert Band took the stage next with a rousing rendition of “Morning’s First Light,” accompanied by soloist Sofia Hardway.  Concert Band wrapped with the catchy, light-hearted “On the Village Green” (soloist Maxwell Birch). 

Finally, Wind Ensemble graced the audience with a spirited performance of “Celebration Overture” (composed by Paul Creston, soloists Mackenzie Ailes, Sam Graaf, and Annie Westrate). The soaring “Time’s Quiet Passing”  was brought to life by soloists Sam Graaf, Carissa Uy, and Ellie Nagle. The Wind Ensemble ended the Instrumental Winter Concert with the funky groove of “Big City Lights.” 

As the stage lights faded, all involved were proud and impressed by the musical prowess demonstrated throughout the performances. Orchestra Director Judy Kang said that one of her  “favorite elements of the concert was when we finished each piece and she saw the look in everyone’s eyes as they experienced that moment. Seeing how everyone played together was amazing; we had great teamwork.”

The musicians were equally pleased with their performance.  Percussionist Abby Cooper said,  “There was a good balance between the different instruments, and no section overpowered the other.”  Wind Ensemble’s first flute Anna Lardin was “ impressed with how fast the Wind Ensemble came together, even with how challenging the songs were.  By the time of the concert, we all sounded like we knew what we were doing.”

The choir got to shine in their concert, on December 19th. Concert Chorale opened the show with three stellar pieces, including the rollicking “Vengo Nel Nostro Coro” (composed by Antonio Salieri, arranged by Jill Galena), “Remember,” a wistful tune that urges the listener to remember the singer, even when they have left the concert. Marcin Waruk’s rhythmic “Cecílíada.” finished the Concert Chorale portion of the night. The sopranos and altos showcased their unique musical talents next with a haunting rendition of “You Lovers That Have Loves Astray”. The tenors and basses from Concert Chorale and Chamber Singers got their turn as they sang the earthy chords of “A Call For Peace” (Jerry Estes). Next were the Chamber Singers sopranos and altos, as they took the stage to perform the inspiring “Orion”, with a message of strength and perseverance.

The concert continued with brilliant performances from the complete Chamber Singers, as soloist Jocelyn Knorr, elevated by the voices of her fellow singers, brought “The Blue Bird” to a spellbinding conclusion. Chamber Singers hit it out of the park with their other two songs, including the evocative “Northern Lights” from composer Ola Gjeilo and “Hlohonolofatsa” (accompanied by soloists Max Keating and Annie Thompson). The Combined Choirs ended the night with “Sing Gently.”  As the curtains closed, Haverford High School’s Choirs added yet another fantastic show to their name. 

Soprano Zehrah Punillath and alto Catherine Birch comment on the show, stating, “The fits were kind of fire.” Birch recalled the Concert Chorale’s “Remember,” praising how “…[they] had a lot of emotion while singing the song.” The two also complimented the soloists in the Chamber Singer’s “Hlohonolofatsa”, remarking on how “Annie and Max’s solos sounded amazing.”

Whether instrumental or choral, one thing’s for sure: every song played on the High School’s stage this past winter season has been a masterpiece of musical ability and creativity. Performers, conductors, and audience members alike undoubtedly look forward to the rest of the year and the captivating performances it will bring.  Here’s a standing ovation for the Music Department of Haverford High School!