The Hamilton Preparatory School Music Department presented an outstanding winter concert featuring performances by the Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Concert Choir. Under the direction of Music Director Mr. Gregory Thomas, over 180 student musicians showcased their talents before an audience of 600 family members and community guests.
## Performance Highlights
**Chamber Orchestra (32 members)**
The evening opened with the Chamber Orchestra performing three classical masterworks:
- Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" - showcasing precise ensemble playing
- Vivaldi's "Winter" from The Four Seasons - featuring violin soloist Sarah Chen (Grade 11)
- Tchaikovsky's "Serenade for Strings" - demonstrating rich, mature tone
Concertmaster Sarah Chen's solo in the Vivaldi was particularly impressive, displaying technical brilliance and musical sensitivity. The orchestra has performed this repertoire at Carnegie Hall last spring.
**Concert Band (45 members)**
The Concert Band performed a diverse program:
- "Celebration and Song" by R.W. Smith - spirited opening fanfare
- "Blue Shades" by Frank Ticheli - jazz-influenced contemporary work
- "Carol of the Bells" arr. by Bob Margolis - festive holiday arrangement
- "English Folk Song Suite" by Vaughan Williams - classic wind band repertoire
Featured soloist Marcus Johnson (Grade 12) on trumpet in "Blue Shades" delivered a stunning improvised solo. The band earned Superior rating at state festival this fall.
**Jazz Band (18 members)**
The Jazz Band brought energy with their set:
- "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck - featuring complex 5/4 time signature
- "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Louis Prima - high-energy swing classic
- "Spain" by Chick Corea - Latin jazz fusion
- "All of Me" by Gerald Marks - featuring vocals by Isabella Martinez (Grade 12)
Student soloists impressed with improvisational skills. Saxophonist Alex Rodriguez (Grade 10), pianist Emily Park (Grade 11), and drummer Kevin O'Brien (Grade 11) each took extended solos demonstrating jazz vocabulary and creativity.
**Concert Choir (50 members)**
The choir concluded the evening with moving performances:
- "Gloria" by John Rutter - joyful classical setting
- "Lux Aurumque" by Eric Whitacre - ethereal contemporary work with shimmering harmonies
- "O Magnum Mysterium" by Morten Lauridsen - lush Renaissance-style motet
- "Carol Medley" arr. by Kirby Shaw - festive holiday favorites
The choir's blend and precision in the Whitacre piece created a magical moment, with the complex harmonies perfectly balanced.
## Featured Student Soloists
- **Sarah Chen (Grade 11)** - Violin solo in Vivaldi
- **Marcus Johnson (Grade 12)** - Trumpet solo in "Blue Shades"
- **Isabella Martinez (Grade 12)** - Jazz vocal in "All of Me"
- **Alex Rodriguez (Grade 10)** - Alto saxophone improvisations
- **Emily Park (Grade 11)** - Piano in Jazz Band
- **Aisha Mohammed (Grade 10)** - Soprano solo in Rutter's "Gloria"
## A Cappella Special Guest
The school's a cappella group "Phoenix Harmonies" (16 auditioned members) made a surprise appearance, performing contemporary arrangements of:
- "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
- "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
- "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus
Their tight harmonies and beatboxing by Tyler Chen (Grade 9) brought the audience to their feet.
## Music Program Highlights
The concert demonstrated the strength of our music program:
- 180 students participate in music ensembles
- Chamber Orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall in 2021 and 2023
- Jazz Band earned Superior rating at state festival
- Concert Choir placed 2nd at regional choral competition
- 12 students selected for All-State ensembles this year
- 8 students pursuing music degrees at colleges including Berklee, Juilliard, and university music programs
## Leadership and Dedication
Music Director Mr. Gregory Thomas, a concert pianist and conductor with 18 years at Hamilton Preparatory School, leads the program with passion and expertise. Assistant Director Ms. Rachel Green supports instrumental programs.
Student leadership includes:
- Orchestra Concertmaster: Sarah Chen
- Band Drum Major: Marcus Johnson
- Choir President: Isabella Martinez
- Jazz Band Section Leaders
## Community Support
The concert was made possible by:
- Music Boosters Club - fundraising support for sheet music, instruments, travel
- Instrument loan program - 45 instruments available for student use
- Private lesson scholarships - financial aid for 12 students receiving lessons
- Community donors supporting program excellence
## Looking Ahead
Upcoming music events:
- Spring Pops Concert (April) - lighter repertoire, show tunes, contemporary hits
- Spring Musical "Into the Woods" (March) - in collaboration with theater department
- Solo and Ensemble Festival (March) - students perform for ratings
- End-of-Year Concert (May) - showcase all ensembles
## Join Music Program
Students interested in music can audition for ensembles or enroll in general music classes. Private lessons available through school with subsidies for families with financial need. Instrument rentals available.