Upper School Fine Arts Festival

The Upper School Fine Arts Festival brought students, families, and friends together for an evening of celebration as the Upper School Band, Choir, Ensemble, and Art and Graphic Design classes shared their talents. 

 

 

Before the concert began, guests were invited to browse displays from the Art and Graphic Design classes. The exhibit featured clay statues, paintings, 3D perspective drawings, mixed media designs, and more.

 

 

The Ensemble opened the concert portion of the evening with classics like Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing" and modern hits like the Pentatonix song, "Sing," featuring a riveting rap by Stephen B. 

 

 

Later on, they also sang more solemn, hauntingly beautiful pieces like Brian Tate's "Espiritu de Dios," repeating the words

Spirit of God, Fill my life, Fill my soul, Fill my very being,

Fill me with your presence...power...fill me with your love.

 

 

The Upper School Band performed pieces like Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man," arr. Robert Longfield.

 

 

In honor of this year's Upper School Musical, the band closed its set with a beautiful performance of Moss's complex arrangement of Alan Menken & Howard Ashman's "Beauty and the Beast Highlights," then blessed the crowd with John Stevens' "Benediction."

 

 

The Upper School Choir visibly had fun showing off their animated moves in Gary Hallquist's "I Feel Better when I’m Dancin." They continued to pair their singing with dancing later in the evening, in pieces like Wana Baraka, featuring a confident performance by Israel N. on djembe. Students sang the Swahili lyrics, which translate to: 

 

They have Blessings, those who pray

Jesus himself said so, Alleluia

They have Peace, They have Joy, They have Life

 

 

The choir closed out the night with another dance themed pice titled "I Often Dance" by Gary Hallquist. This closing song featured a beautiful violin solo by the very talented Mira T. 

 

 

Scripture readings were sprinkled into the program, from Ephesians 6 to Psalm 86 and 30, read by Dani L., Chaerin H., and Annora K.

 

 

Before the closing song, the evening's penultimate program recognized seniors for their years of participation in choir, band, and ensemble as they closed this chapter of their Upper School Fine Arts journey.  Each senior received a rose. We are grateful for the many ways our students used their gifts in music and art at ICSB.

 

 

Upper School Principal, Mr. Michael Southwell recognized the Upper School art and music teachers, Mr. Kyle McEachron and Mrs. Rebecca Lingenhoel, for their excellent work in guiding students in the fine arts program at ICSB. He then went on to recognize Dani L., an Upper School student, who has served the community and specifically the fine arts and sports community with live streams, recording and publishing programs, and leading the A/V club in recent years. Dani received the Fine Arts Enhancement award.

 

This student has shown an extremely high level of both passion and skill as he has acted as a student leader of the audiovisual team at ICSB by filming events throughout the year, running livestreams at the Winter Classic, producing musicals, and supporting our chapel program.

Mr. Michael Southwell, Upper School Principal

 

 

Thank you, Mr. Kyle McEachron and Mrs. Rebecca Lingenhoel, for an incredible evening, but more importantly, for investing in these students and helping them joyfully develop their skills and passions for the arts. The night had a recurring theme of dancing and jubilation, with music that at the very least, evoked head bops, foot taps, and smiles from its audience, but a closer look at the joy on students' faces, the creative beauty reflected in their art and skillful use of their instruments, or the truth of the lyrics sung and scriptures read on the source of this joy, matched with the bittersweet goodbyes of seniors, might have even caused some eyes to get teary.