The audience members stand up one by one as the orchestra plays a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, their hands to their hearts and their eyes glistening with respect.

This was the opening event of the Philharmonic Concert in Meyer Hall on April 19–the last concert of the year. Both strings and band majors of all grades came together to display their talents and close out the school year with a bang.

“Since this is the last concert, I really wanted to make it a good one,” said strings junior Dana Esposito. “We practiced especially hard for this concert, rehearsing during class, after school, and on our own time. [Strings dean Wendell Simmons] made sure everyone knew their parts.”

Music students performed ensembles such as “The Hebrides Overture” and “Romeo and Juliet.” Students dressed in spiffy tuxedos and shiny dresses played virtually every instrument; their brows knit in concentration as they focused on harmonizing and stringing together melodies.

 The event featured a solo from strings senior Kevonna Shuford, who walked onto the stage adorned in a sparkling red dress that swept the floor as she walked. Silence fell over the room as she played “Walton Viola Concerto,” on the viola.

“On stage, she performed it with such ease,” said strings senior Kristin Janos. “But that number is notoriously difficult, and it takes a lot of time, dedication, and talent to perfect it to the degree that she did.”

To close out the night, the music department paid homage to the seniors by calling them up to the stage and reflecting on all they’ve achieved throughout their high school years.

“It was a night of both nostalgia and new beginnings. We grew up together and it will be weird not seeing all the band majors and Mr. Simmons everyday, but I know we’re all going on to bigger things in the future,” said strings senior Laura Del-Aguila.