The annual Spring concert, held last Thursday, showcased over 100 student performers, highlighting the school’s continued enthusiasm for musical expression.
This year’s theme, “Music from Around the World,” featured pieces from Japan, China, the UK, America, Haiti, and more, offering a diverse array of global sounds.
Both May Chorale—the Middle School Chorus—and Greenline, the Upper School ensemble, have taken on the challenge of performing songs in multiple foreign languages, including In Stiller Nacht in German, Flower Drum Song in Mandarin, and Venga Nel Nostro Coro in Italian.
Middle & Upper School Music teacher Max Holman and Music/Instrumental Teacher Dr. Alex Ostergard collaborated to arrange and conduct the pieces performed.
Greenline performed parts of their repertoire with accompaniment from the Gator Scales, the Upper School Instrumental Ensemble. When asked about the collaboration, Mr. Holman shared only positive feedback.
“To have a great colleague like Dr. O has been amazing,” Holman said. “It makes the job easy, but when we come together, I think there’s this sense of cohesion that is important.”
The teachers prioritized creating music together, recognizing it as a valuable skill for both singers and musicians.
Violinist Fischer Biederman ’28 said she ‘loves playing with singers’ because the violin can sound similar to the human voice.”
Gator Scales provided full accompaniment for Greenline on ABBA’s ‘Lay All Your Love on Me.’
String players Biederman (violin), Dr. Alex Ostergard (viola), and Mimi Manigat ’26 (cello) accompanied singers on Venga Nel Nostro Coro by Antonio Salieri.
Michael Preisol (percussion) also played drums for Kanaval by Sydney Guillaume.
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Dr. Alex Ostegard performs with the Gator Scales.
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Max Holman conducts the combined MS & US Ensemble for “Flower Drum Song”.
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Max Holman conducts the US Ensemble for “Danny Boy”.
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Senior Ruby Cohen-Weinberg ’25 hugs Mary Wang ’26 after receiving her gift.
The Musc department emphasizes student growth through performance and collaboration, as demonstrated in recent concerts. Greenline President Ruby Cohen-Weinberg ’25 noted that choir participation has helped her develop a sense of responsibility and community.
“[There is] that balance of responsibility as a member of this choir that has to deliver on certain concerts or school events,” Cohen-Weinberg said. “Having a friend group and having an opportunity to sing is really nice.”
This is especially important during AP exam season, or when students are feeling overwhelmed with classwork.
For the first time, Holman also honored the graduating seniors of Greenline: Chloe Sholnick, Ruby Cohen-Weinberg, and Maddie Pogoda with heartfelt speeches. Greenline members also gifted green bracelets to the seniors during the concert.
Ostergard highlights the learning that comes from collaborating and performing in a concert with different types of musicians.
“It’s good musicianship practice to experience playing under a different director and with different sounds that are used to hearing,” Ostergard said.
