D-E Performing Arts proudly presented several concerts earlier this year representing the culmination of our students’ learning in music performance. Choral ensembles from D-E’s three divisions, including Upper School A Capella,  the 6th Grade and Show Choirs, and the All-School Chorus,  as well as our  Middle School African Drumming & Dance ensembles, all had opportunities to showcase their hard work.  The audiences for these concerts were ‘D-Elighted’ to have opportunities to sing along, dance along, and yes, even drum alongside our student musicians.

The ensembles’ concerts all featured a range of familiar, classical, and seasonal tunes including when Lower School students performed a medley of songs for their Winter Concert, including “The Nutcracker in About 3 Minutes” and “Little People”. Old and newer pop hits prompted spirited audience participation, including the Show Choir and 6th Grade Choir’s Spring Concert performances of 80’s hits  like “Material Girl” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire”,  which were intermingled with “interviews” of students playing pop icons including Cyndi Lauper, George Michael and Olivia Newton-John.

In every concert attendees were also invited and strongly encouraged to join in performing with the 7th and 8th Grade African Drumming & Dance Ensembles. The ensembles performed traditional drumming motifs and dances including “Agbekor” (a traditional warrior dance ) and “Gahu” and “Kinka”, two recreational dances, all inspired by and according to the traditions of the Ewe people of southeastern Ghana.

Bravo to all our Choral and African Drumming & Dance ensembles!