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St. Luke’s Winter Band & Choir Concerts
Sweet sounds filled the Seldin Performing Arts Center during the December winter band and choir concerts. On December 6, the Middle and Upper Schools gathered together for the Winter Band Concert. The 6th grade band started off the night and were followed by the Prep, Concert and Jazz Bands. Under the direction of Bob Leinbach and Peter Valera, the bands played an array of genres including jazz, pop, holiday music and more. Leinbach said, "The concert showed project-based learning at its best." He continued, "It gave greater context to what we have been working on during our many rehearsals and why we think making music is an essential student experience."
The Winter Winds of Change Middle School Choir Concert was next on December 14. St. Luke’s 5th-8th grade singers performed beautifully throughout the evening. MS Music Chair Katie Kaplan shared, "The fifth graders set the tone for the evening with a lovely set of songs, each sung with energy and excitement while demonstrating the skills that they've been developing this year." Kaplan added, "The final song of the evening 'Seasons of Love,' from Rent showcased the 7th and 8th graders and sent everyone home with an upbeat, positive message to enjoy life and cherish the time we have with one another."
On December 15, the St. Luke’s Upper School Chorus and Chorale took on the ambitious task of performing Part One of Handel’s The Messiah. Guest performers Charlotte Bergmann '12, Emily Bergmann '12, Gregory Chase, and James Taubl sang with the choirs. The addition of a chamber orchestra which included Haley Bloch '20, Andrew Gray '21 and accompanist Tom Cuffari magnified the majestic sounds which resonated throughout the room. The concert was under the direction of US Music Chair Dale D. Griffa. He reflected, "I knew our students were up for the challenge of performing this complex composition and their singing was exceptional." Griffa added, "It was a great honor to have our two talented alumnae Charlotte and Emily Bergmann be a part of this concert. Their participation made this wonderful evening even better."
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
