The combined Middle and High School Bands and Chorales presented their spring concert on Thursday, May 24 in the ACS gymnasium. The program, entitled “Rewind,” featured favorite musical selections from past ACS concerts and paid special tribute to the impact of retiring band director, Mrs. Shirlene Perini.
Perini, pictured at right with Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, came to ACS in 2011 and built the band program from the ground up. Students recounted some of the significant milestones under her leadership as they gave personalized introductions to each band number. Following the tradition Perini started in her early years, the band’s portion of the concert featured “friends & family” musicians, including former ACS band students, who joined the current members to fill out the sound.
Following the band’s presentation, the High School Select Ensemble took the stage for one number before being joined by the full middle and high school chorales. In addition to reprising a few favorite numbers from prior concerts, the chorales continued the “Rewind” theme by wearing various chorale T-shirts produced over the last few seasons. Under the direction of Lee Martin, the chorales also led the audience in a powerful time of worship featuring several contemporary praise songs with solos by many members of the group.
The concert concluded with Martin recognizing the five graduating seniors in the High School Chorale and Oblen making a special presentation to Perini to honor her seven years of service.
Before and after the concert, guests walked the school hallways to view art displays produced by upper school students in Sherry Mirakian’s art classes. In addition to a wide variety of sketches and drawings, the exhibits included clay castle sculptures, hand-painted African masks and “prehistoric” cork wall paintings.
