St. Margaret’s Students Shine at 2024 Winter Instrumental and Choral Concert

The 2024 Middle School and Upper School Winter Instrumental and Choral Concert took place last week at the Hurlbut Theater. This concert was a celebration of the musical talents of more than 220 students in choir, band and orchestra ensembles led by Choral Director Adela Kwan, Orchestra Director Linling Hsu, Band Director Chris Carbajal and All-School collaborative pianist Lex Leigh. The colorful lighting for the concerts was designed by Gavin Shams ’26. 

 

The concert opened with the combined performance of Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays before grade 6 choir performed two festive numbers. The grades 7-12 Highlander chorale presented two pieces including O Come All Ye Faithful before grades 8-12 Highlander carolers donned festive attire for 3 classic pieces. According to Ms. Kwan, “The choir students are learning to read music as vocalists. They are learning how to musically collaborate in song and harmony which is an artisanal, music skill. They have worked so hard, learning how to practice and how to perform.”

 

The Middle School band directed by Mr. Carbajal led them in Angels We Have Heard on High and a medley of holiday songs. The concert band performed Christmas Fanfares before being joined on stage by Paige Minton ’26 who brought her stunning choreography to life during scenes from The Nutcracker. 

 

Jazz Ensemble created a funky vibe with their opening God Rest Ye ‘Funky’, Gentlemen followed by The Christmas Song that featured Elaine Chen ’27 and Mac Ullem ’26. Donning colorful winter beanies, the Middle School orchestra continued with the festive atmosphere. 

There was Peace on Earth featuring grade 6 students Ivy Ha, Ellen Sun and Kara Lee as well as Golden Hour featuring grade 7 students Leyan Yang and Chloe Zhang. The grades 8-12 orchestra and orchestra honors presented Heart of Gold (A Greensleeves Fantasy) and It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year before the combined ensembles concluded the evening with Do You Hear What I Hear? and the traditional finale Hallelujah Chorus. Mr. Carbajal expressed pride at what his band students were able to accomplish. He said, “The song Do You Hear What I Hear? really challenged the band. It has two different time measures and is D flat major. However, they did it and the piece turned out gorgeous.”

 

Director of the Arts Dan Pacheco remarked, “Listening to the incredible music inspires me and moves me. This is a wonderful way to start the season.”