This week, D-E Performing Arts hosted an inspiring double-header of live musical performances! During the Cabaret Night Concert on Monday, May 19, our Jazz Workshop and Stage Band ensembles, directed by Music Director Rob DeBellis P’18,’15 and accompanied by guest artist Marty Ehrlich, interpreted the music of Charles Mingus, Oliver Nelson, and Julius Hemphill. Mr. Ehrlich, a renowned saxophonist, clarinetist, and flutist, also performed his own music including a percussive, Ghanaian-inspired “Agbekor Translations”. Highlights from the concert also included when Mr. DeBellis and Mr. Ehrlich, on clarinet and saxophone respectively, co-improvised together. Our student musicians followed suit, with their own solo improvisations heard in all the pieces performed. 

The following night, the All-School Chorus Concert featured the Lower School (LS), Middle School (MS), and Upper School (US) Chorus collaborating on a series of popular songs, complete with opening skits, costumes and props, and a ballroom dancing duo. Led by US Music Teacher Ken Kacmar P’26, ’28, MS Music Teacher Olivia Lionetti, and LS Music Teacher Fiona Crawford, the concert featured choral and a cappella versions of “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers, “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley, “Baby” by Justin Bieber, “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles, and “Dancing Through Life” from “Wicked.” Toward the end of the program, there was even a nod to Italian composers Gioachino Rossini and Giacomo Puccini ahead of the finale—a choral medley of 4-chord songs.

Immediately following the Chorus Concert, the D-E community was invited onto Leggett Field for an energetic performance from our 7th and 8th Grade Drumming Ensemble, a MS Discovery Class taught by Music Teacher Jean-Marie Collatin. Bravo to all our talented musicians and cheers to all our D-E Performing Arts Department faculty and staff for these memorable live music events!