Performing Arts Department Hosts All-Division Vocal Concert

In partnership with the Performing Arts Department at Ranney School, the Jr. Tri-M® and Tri-M® Music Honor Society hosted an All-Division Vocal Concert on Thursday, February 10, 2011 in RSPA Panther Hall.

Inspired by General Music and Chorus Teacher Lillianne Torrente’s Professional Development trip to China in the summer of 2009, the night featured one of two concerts set to explore cultural influence on music and song. According to Ms. Torrente, one of the things that struck her most on her trip to China was the pride that those of Chinese descent have in their musical heritage.

With that thought in mind, Ranney’s Lower School Chorus took to the stage, bearing dimly lit candles that set the mood for part one of the show — American Heritage Trail: Spirituals and Folk Songs. Introduced by Karl Brand ’16, who also provided the audience with a brief historical narrative before each performance, songs included “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning” by John Helgen, “Ezekiel and David” by Sally K. Albrech and “Old American Songs” by Aaron Copland.

Dressed to impress, the Middle School Chorus then lead the crowd into Part Two of the evening — Jazz Age in the Big City — with a song and dance to Jay Altbouse’s “Swingin’ the Night Away,” accompanied by Erik Bovino ’15 on the piano. The Upper School Women’s Chorus also performed during the second part of the show. Adorned in sparkling blue dresses, the girls sang George Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm,” choreographed by Natalia Cordero of Ballet Hispanico.

Before continuing on with the program’s third act, the audience viewed an Upper School Honors Chorus video titled, “Roots and Wings: The Essence of American Music,” which highlighted several famous artists whose music have inspired both American culture and students at Ranney. With that, it was on to Act Three — New World Influence in Piano Music, featuring Neil Chatterjee ’13 and Christa Dalmazio ’12 on piano.

The night ended with a tribute to Blues, as the audience heard classic songs like Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind,” once again performed by Erik Bovino, and Hoagy Carmichael’s “Georgia on my Mind” played and sung by Tor Miller ’12 on piano. All divisions then took to the stage for one final song. Lead by soloists Lauren Waters ’11 and Thomas Florek ’11, the Upper, Middle and Lower School sang “What a Wonderful World,” leaving all in attendance with a newfound sense of pride in the origin of American music and culture.