On Thursday 14th December Saint Maur held its Secondary School Winter Concert & Art Exhibition. Students from all our Secondary School music clubs performed to a packed auditorium of guests, in a wide range of styles.

We were treated to a range of blues, funk and swing classics from the High School Jazz Band and two challenging latin pieces by the Jazz Honor Combo featuring some spectacular solos. The largest group of the evening, the Middle School Jazz Band, played a range of jazz, pop and iconic rock pieces featuring confident solos from students improvising for the first time.

The Middle School Percussion group, led by Aran Nagashima, ended the first half in dramatic fashion with an energetic drum piece. During the intermission, guests were invited to a captivating exhibition of countless artworks created by Art students under the expert guidance of Kim Littani. They were also able to purchase delicious refreshments from our parent volunteers while enjoying background Christmas music by our skilled Honor Jazz Combo.

The second half began with classical music from the Orchestra, including music by Tchaikovsky from the Nutcracker and a dramatic rendition of Beethoven's 5th Symphony. Next, the Senior Band commanded the stage with a series of lively contemporary music driven by dynamic percussion lines. The concert concluded with a tribute to outgoing piano teacher, Mrs Geneviève Kintzel, who is retiring after 42 years at Saint Maur and then a delightful headline performance by the Middle School & High School Choir with a medley of Christmas favorites.

We thank the students, staff and parents for creating such a wonderful end to the semester and for starting the vacation in such high Christmas spirits.