Winter Concert Celebrates Ranney’s 50th Anniversary

And what a golden and sparkling tribute it was. Presented by the Performing Arts Department, along with Ranney’s Tri-M Music Honor Society, performing ensembles representing all of the school’s divisions, and the entirety of all performing musicians in band, chorus, and orchestra, came together under one roof on Friday, December 17 for a glorious evening of music and pride to help Ranney celebrate an important milestone in its rich and distinguished history,

 

Panther Hall shone brightly as students of all ages, along with members of the school’s music faculty and guest musicians, collaborated for a unique evening of celebration and holiday favorites. The Roberts stage was the showcase for more than 170 Ranney students who displayed a wide variety of musical artistry and talent, as well as serving as a glowing testament to the significant growth and development of the music and performing arts program at Ranney School.

 

Tess Nielsen, Performing Arts Chair, served as conductor of the Upper School Chorus, and performed a variety of choral pieces featuring student accompanists sophomore Sophia Lee on flute, sophomore Tor Miller on piano and freshman Matt Callahan on guitar. Kevin Cotter, a member of Ranney’s music faculty, conducted the Middle School and Fifth Grade Band, as well as the Upper School Jazz Band in a collection of modern band pieces and holiday favorites. Dr. Dorothy Sobieski conducted the Chamber Music Ensemble, Fifth Grade Orchestra and Middle School Orchestra. Among the many highlights of the evening was a viola duet of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B Flat Major performed by Dr. Sobieski and sophomore Christa Dalmazio, and accompanied by guest pianist Karen Miske. Another special performance included the Upper School Chorus, joined by the Ranney School Chamber Ensemble, which performed a beautiful Italian ballad, Nella Fantasia. Lorraine Jansen served as special guest conductor for the Lower School and Middle School Concert Choirs while Ranney music teacher Lillianne Torrente is in China participating in a Music Education Delegation, as part of the People to People Citizen Ambassador Program. Middle and Upper School Drama teacher John Doyle seamlessly coordinated the almost three-hour program as production stage manager.

 

During the program, members of both the Jr. Tri-M and Sr. Tri-M Music Honor Society spoke about the community service and musical outreach projects they have participated in this year, such as collecting musical toys for the U.S. Marine Corps 2009 Toys for Tots Campaign, among others. Also, Patti Marshall, Head of Lower School, along with Tess Nielsen informed concertgoers about Ranney’s exciting performing arts events for the upcoming year.

 

The evening came to a rousing close as the Upper School Jazz Band, joined by Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff on guitar, rocked the crowd with a rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s Tenth Avenue Freeze Out.

For additional information on all Ranney School news, please contact the Communications Department at communications@ranneyschool.org.