Upper School Winter Concert
- focus
- May 25, 2023
- 2 min read
By Sean Scott (Reporter '25)
The final Tuesday before winter break, FCS Upper School had its Winter Concert. The orchestra, chorus, vocal groups, and jazz band all performed wonderful music. It was a culmination of months of work and rehearsals since the start of the school year.
The orchestra began the concert, and beforehand, members of the orchestra were backstage in the drama room warming up and getting ready to perform. The jazz band was also backstage, and the chorus members were preparing in the chorus room.
After getting settled and tuning the instruments, the orchestra played songs that ranged in time periods from classical to modern. Orchestra started with “A Dance of Clowns,” by Felix Mendelssohn, a fast-paced and energetic tune. Next, they played the classic “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” by J. S. Bach. The last song they performed was the modern “Merry-Go-Round of Life,” by Joe Hisaishi, a song with a catchy melody played throughout on various instruments.
Once the orchestra finished playing, there was a short transition time for the chorus risers to be assembled. The chorus’ music also had a wide range in time period, beginning with “Elohim Hashivenu,” by Salamone Rossi, a piece that was published 400 years ago. This was followed by “Stand in That River,” by Moira Smiley, a song that featured several soloists. Their last selection was a Negro spiritual arranged by L.A. Garrett and Tom Trenney called “Rise, Shine!” The Grace Notes, Foxtones, and combined vocal groups sang renditions of holiday songs as well as other selected works.
Jazz band wrapped up the concert with their usual fervor. They played four songs, “A Child is Born,” by Thad Jones, “New Orleans Bump,” by Jelly Roll Morton, “Song of Shaharta,” by Yuji Ohno, and “Span,” by Chick Corea. Throughout the pieces, many students showcased their improvisational skills. They were lively pieces, and, as with all the performers, the jazz band’s enthusiasm was evident as their music filled the Meeting Room and captivated the audience.
Congratulations to everyone who took part in showcasing our collective talent!
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