The Upper School Performing Arts Department ushered in Winter 2023-24 with its annual Winter Concert on November 30. Featuring the Academy String Orchestra and Honors Strings (Chris Horner, Director), Singing Patriots and 1760 Singers (Frank Van Atta, Director), and the Academy Symphonic Band and Honors Band (Jeremy Correnti, Director), almost 100 students performed for family, employees, and friends in the Arts Center.

"For the first time in many years, we were excited to have all of our ensembles perform in one space so that we can collectively experience the diverse repertoire and impressive talent with our audience," said Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760 and Head of Upper School Dr. Molly MacKean. "It is a priority for us as a school to teach what it means to be a good audience so that our future graduates can embody positive arts stewardship through every phase of their lives (whether they are on the stage, behind the stage, or cheering from the seats).

"We are grateful to our performers for their dedication to the arts and willingness to share their ever-evolving gifts with us," the duo continued. "We extend special appreciation to our dedicated and immensely talented performing arts faculty for bringing us all together in the spirit of the season to savor an evening of musical splendor."

The Academy String Orchestra, led by soloist Angie Wang '24, performed several songs, including Warlock's Pavane and Basse Danse, as well as the Finale from Symphony No. 104 by Hayden. The Singing Patriots sang seven songs, including Carol of the Bells by Lentotovich, Hold Fast to Dreams by LaBarr, Al Shlosha D'Varim in Hebrew, and Sleigh Ride by Anderson & Parish. The Academy Symphonic Band performed Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 "From the New World", Led Zeppelin on Tour, a medley of songs by Plant, Page, Jonas, and Bonham, and Rapture by Balmages.

The treat of the evening came when all three groups came together to perform Baba Yatu by Tin. It was a moving and inspired performance with the singers and band on the stage and the orchestra in the back of the first section of seats.

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