The weeks full of music continue, as student-musicians prepare for their next concert on the list. The Spring Concert, scheduled for Thursday, March 19, is yet another important event of the year, featuring students from both Middle and High School.

Until this year, the Spring Concert has always been held at the end of May. However, the busy exam schedule and time-consuming preparations for graduation make it difficult for seniors to attend and dedicate themselves to the rehearsals in May. Therefore, the faculty decided to hold the recital in March.

“I like having the Spring Concert earlier, because it means that the seniors are still engaged and contributing in a very significant way to the success of the ensembles. In the past it was always a little difficult for them to stay present and focussed amidst the end-of-year exams. Plus, there is music that we started working on back in the fall that still hasn’t seen the light of the stage, so we are able perform some of these pieces in front of an ISSH audience without having to wait until May. I really like the change,” said Mr. Nicholson.

The concert will open with a performance by the ISSH Orchestra. This year’s group has prepared many difficult pieces and is extremely excited to share the stories and emotions of each selection. Mr. Nicholson, director of the MS/HS Orchestra is very excited about performing these pieces next week:“The orchestra evolves every year – not only does it gets bigger, but also the strengths of the different sections change. This year we have a very strong string section, particularly violins, so it has been fun to explore some more challenging repertoire for string orchestra, in particular Peter Warlock’s Capriol Suite and Mozart’s Divertimento in D Major. We also have no fewer than eight saxophones this year, so they have been able to fill in the missing parts (French horns, low brass) and have given the orchestra a fuller, more balanced sound. The selection of Spring Concert music reflects both of these changes.”

The orchestra will be followed by the MS Choir, the Vocal Ensemble, and the HS Choir. These groups have prepared selections that reflect this year’s concert theme: “Sounds of Nature: from Dawn ‘til Dark”. Listen for the whirling winds, light rains, and an occasional call of animals throughout the performance!

All performers and directors are looking forward to this night of music. “At times I am left guessing up until the last minute, but this year the orchestra is playing with a lot of confidence and energy and I think that will be felt by the audience. The chapel is also a very forgiving venue with a lot of natural resonance and we have had some of our best performance moments there,” said Mr. Nicholson.

When: March 19, 2015

Doors open: 18:30

Concert begins: 19:00

Where: ISSH Chapel