Scenes from the Lower School Spring Concerts

The lovely sounds of music filled the Washington National Cathedral the morning of May 19, during the NCS and STA Middle School Spring Concert. The 26-member orchestra played three selections including “Allegro from Symphony No. 1” by Ludwig van Beethoven. The music performed by the NCS Middle School Chorus and the STA Forms I and II Chorus ranged from Aaron Copland’s “Ching A-Ring Chaw,” Benjamin Britten’s “The Sally Gardens,” and Alan Menken’s “Seize the Day” from the Broadway musical Newsies.

Special thanks to Director of Instrumental Music Scott Wood, Choral Directors Chuck Bowers and Brandon Straub, and Accompanist Aaron Goen for all their hard work in helping the students get ready for the performance.

Forms C, B, and A took parents and guests on a trip around the globe at their annual spring concert in Trapier Theater on May 19. WMUSTA-TV announcers narrated the travelogue to the many corners of the earth. Form A students opened the journey with an instrumental version of “Overture from the Opera William Tell,” while Form C music classes serenaded the audience with an Iroquois lullaby and Czech folk song. The Forms C, B & A Chorus headed across the pond with their rendition of “Now is the Month of Maying,” then to the Far East with the Japanese ode to cherry blossoms.

Form B music classes traveled to Polynesia and Russia, while the orchestra took us to sea with their Sea Song Trilogy. Form A music classes continued to Africa with the crowd favorite “The Circle of Life” and down under to New Zealand with traditional song, dance, and masks. The pièce de résistance was the finale piece, where all Forms joined in to sing “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Head of Lower School Fred Chandler closed the program with remarks and tokens of appreciation for the musical faculty members who helped the boys with their musical journey.

Enjoy photos from both concerts below!