The sweet smell of spring floods the air and, with it, a symphony of sound pours from the Lennie and John de Csepel Theatre.  As the end of April draws near, the Upper School Orchestra, Bell Choir, Chorus, A Ca-Bellas, and Madrigals took to the stage for their end-of-year concerts.  Under the direction of Miss Annette Etheridge, Middle School and Upper School Music Director, Mr. Sean Lowery, Upper and Middle School Orchestra and Upper School Chorus Director, and Miss Danielle Gennaro ’05, Bell Choir Director and Technical Director of US Theatrical Productions, these groups delighted the crowd with their melodic performances.

A combination of trumpet, violin, double bass, and flute came to life in the theatre April 13 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.  The ten Upper School Orchestra members performed the “Theme from Jurassic Park” and “My Heart Will Go On” by Ms. Celine Dion.  The group has been working on the Jurassic Park soundtrack since last year and “My Heart Will Go On” since the fall of this year, so for them, this concert was a culmination of extensive rehearsals.  Practice is especially imperative for this small of an orchestra so that each of the instruments do not overpower another’s sound.

Senior Daphne Hartch, one of the two Orchestra’s trumpet players, commented on the environment of the Upper School’s Orchestra.  She discussed the group’s persistence when learning new songs and the joy that comes from finally perfecting a piece.

“I really enjoy all the practice that goes into these concerts and playing with everyone in the morning when we meet to practice little sections of the pieces or work on a particular part of it,” Daphne said.  “The feeling of going through the hardest sections as a group and getting them to sound right is reassuring for the actual performances.”

The Madrigals, along with the Madeleines, Nightingales, A Ca-Bellas, and Chorus, held their concert the evening of April 25 from 6:30-8 p.m. The songs they performed included,  “Does the World Say,” “Valerie,” “Bring Me Little Water, Sylvie,” and “Sing Gently.”

The Madrigals’ sound is composed of three different singing parts: the Altos, Mezzo-sopranos, and Sopranos, which when combined, create a unique blend of voices.  To prepare for the spring concert, they have been meeting two to three times a week in the mornings to rehearse. 

Senior Maddy Abramson discussed her experience being a part of the Madrigals for the last three years.  She illustrated what performing for the last time at a spring concert meant to her. 

“The last song we are singing is ‘Valerie,'” Maddy said.  “And it’s sung in such a personal way where we get to gather around the piano and sing together which feels like the perfect full circle moment to end with.”

Mr. Lowery described his experience working with Chorus this year.  He commented on the group’s growth throughout the year and how they have strengthened their voices.

“We have grown literally with all the people joining since second semester and also confidence and volume have grown a lot,” Mr. Lowery said.  “I have had a great time with the group this year as everyone is really excited to be here which is always fun and there have been a lot of people present this year.”

Featured Image by Lili Jordan ’23