This spring D-E’s student musicians of all ages participated in live performances that were a culmination of discipline, training, and a deep-seated passion for music. They represented a journey of artistic growth, proving that in music the process of learning is just as beautiful as the final note. Here are highlights from D-E Performing Arts’ spring live concert performances:During the annual Orchestra Extravaganza Concert on April 28 in Schenck Auditorium, ensembles in all three divisions showcased a variety of musical compositions. The Lower School String Ensemble performed “American Landscape,” by Soon Hee Newbold; the Middle School Band played an interpretation of “Four Folk Dances: A Miniature Suite for Band,” by Jackson Anderson; the Middle School Orchestra performed “A Matador’s Tale” from Mark Lortz; the Upper School Orchestra played a rousing version of “Danzón No. 2,” by Arturo Márquez; and String Jam performed “Aurora Borealis,” composed by D-E’s own Orchestra Director Diego Garcia. Notably, Oriana Huang ’26, D-E’s Concerto Competition winner, performed “Flute Concertino,” by Cécile Chaminade.Jazz lovers gathered in Hajjar Auditorium on May 1 to enjoy an amazing live Cabaret Night, featuring our Upper School Stage Band and Jazz Workshop ensembles. Directed by Mr. Rob DeBellis P’15, ’18, the ensembles were joined by the incredibly talented professional guest artists Don Byron and Kenny Davis. Don, a multi-instrumentalist and composer, is a two-time Grammy nominee, a Guggenheim Fellow, and his 7 Etudes for Solo Piano, among the night’s performances, was a finalist for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Music. Jazz bassist Kenny, meanwhile, has toured with such notable artists as Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, and Art Farmer. He is currently professor of Jazz Bass and Jazz History at the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University.On May 19, the All-School Choral & Drumming Concert took place in Schenck Auditorium. With enthusiasm and guidance from our Performing Arts Department faculty, our Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School choral ensembles performed popular tunes, including “Try Everything,” by Shakira; “Song of the Earth” (from Frozen); and “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” by John Denver. Our Middle School Drumming Ensembles, directed by Mr. Jean-Marie Collatin, also performed pieces that had the audience clapping along.As is tradition, the Private Music Lesson Recital on May 28 was the final Performing Arts concert of the year. The program, in partnership with D-E 360°, featured nearly 40 student musicians in memorable solo, duet, and small-ensemble performances. Vocalists, accompanied by Mark Mitchell on piano, performed pieces such as “O Del Mio Dolce Ardor,” by Christoph Willibald Gluck (Xinyuan Zhang ’26); “Far From The Home I Love” from Fiddler on the Roof (Mackenzie Hammer ’28); and “The History of Wrong Guys,” by Cyndi Lauper (Portia Roncati ’30). The audience also heard classical and jazz pieces performed by student musicians on the piano, flute, harp, cello, clarinet, trumpet, and saxophone. In the words of D-E Music faculty member and ensemble director Jared Newlen, who not only facilitates the Private Music Lessons program but also teaches himself, “The recital capped a wonderful year of musicianship at D-E. We also greatly look forward to welcoming students to the Private Lessons Program in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year!”

How can we build a better world? This was the question posed to 7th graders tasked with selecting a pressing issue connected to one of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development goals that was personally meaningful and presenting them as part of their “Meet the Challenges and Make It Better” presentations to D-E families. In TEDx style, each student delivered their big question, illuminated the heart of the problem, highlighted current actions being taken, and offered a solution that they, as 7th graders, could meaningfully act on. Topics included food insecurity, air pollution, clean water access, mental health, and prison reform. “This work reflects the very mission of Dwight‑Englewood—nurturing young people who think critically, act with empathy, and engage courageously with the world around them,” said Ms. Pooja Patel P’36, 7th Grade English and History Teacher. “These talks are a celebration of student voice, initiative, and the belief that even at 12 or 13, one can lead with purpose.” After all, there are no age restrictions on becoming a global citizen. As Ms. Patel noted, “Changes can happen in small ways… and lead to much bigger impacts.”

Little hands, big sounds! For one of their final units in Ms. Fiona Crawford’s 3rd Grade Music class, students learned how to play the ukulele, which is among the most versatile instruments for musical beginners. “It is well suited for developing melody, harmony, and rhythm skills; is able to be played while singing; and is enjoyable as a solo or ensemble instrument,” explained Ms. Crawford. “The ukulele has a gentle learning curve and much can be accomplished over just a few lessons.” Specifically, students learned how to hold the instrument, pluck strings, fret chords, and change between different strumming patterns. “By the end of the unit, they were able to play along with many pop songs using simple chord progressions,” added Ms. Crawford. Here’s to good vibes to kick off the summer!