Spring Music Concerts Highlight Arts Month
A key feature of St. Michael’s College School’s (SMCS) Celebration of Arts Month is the annual Spring Music Concert Series, a vibrant showcase of student talent across four performances. Spanning May 13, 14, 15, and 27, the concerts featured fifteen ensembles and highlighted the school’s deep musical spirit.
The series opened on Tuesday, May 13, with an energetic evening featuring the Grade 9 Beginner and Advanced Bands, the Grade 10 Band, the Jr. and Sr. Jazz Ensembles, and the New York Trip Band. Each group brought a unique voice to the stage, setting a high bar for the concerts to follow.
On Wednesday, May 14, the entire student body was treated to a daytime performance by the Sr. Jazz Ensemble and Sr. Concert Band. Their electrifying Led Zeppelin medley, featuring Christopher Plock, music teacher, on lead vocals, brought the students to their feet with a standing ovation.
Thursday, May 15, offered a night of musical depth and emotion. Highlights included the Sr. Wind Ensemble’s stirring rendition of “Nessun dorma,” with professional tenor Mr. Rocco Rupolo; solo and small group performances by graduating students, Jerome Katekyeza Jr. and Jacob Shaver; the Jr. and Sr. Drumlines; and a special appearance by vocalist Caitlin Jones (Rusty in our spring musical Footloose) with pianist Austin Theal. The evening closed with the Sr. Concert Band’s powerful performance of “Latin Gold,” where they were joined by 15 music alumni.
The final concert on May 27 spotlighted the next generation of musicians, with performances by the Grade 8 Concert Band, Honour Band, and a Grade 8 Quintet—an inspiring finale to a month of musical excellence.
Here are a few reflections from SMCS student performers.
“Performing on stage after months of preparation was an unforgettable experience. The nerves quickly faded as I played, and I felt proud of how far I’d come. I enjoyed sharing music with others and learned the value of patience, practice, and the joy that comes from performing.”
Antonios Koutoumanos, Grade 8
“Spring concerts are always a highlight for us music students. After putting in so much work all year, getting to show it off on stage is a great feeling. When everything clicks and comes together, there’s really nothing else like it. Performing after months of preparation was not only a lot of fun, but also a great reminder of how far we’ve come.”
Christopher Grochmal, Grade 10
“The most satisfying thing that a performer can feel is the feeling of months of preparation paying off. I, along with many other members of the Music Department, leave the music room near 6 to 7 p.m., practicing our instruments, ensuring that we have not only learned our material, but we know it inside and out. This rigorous training pays off, not only in music, but in my daily life. I owe it to the Music Department for allowing me to develop these skills, and allowing me to experience that euphoric feeling after our performances.”
Marco Boci, Grade 11
“Performing on stage after months of hard work was unforgettable. I went from nervous to excited the moment the lights came on. I loved the energy, the laughter, and the teamwork. I learned that with enough practice and support, you really can pull off something amazing.”
Neven Cenanovic, Grade 8
“Performing on the stage with my friends at this concert has been a great bonding experience for all involved. I enjoyed the months of preparation in classes and the struggles of learning each piece to its fullest. While practicing and performing, I learned so much more about everyone.”
Aston Ng, Grade 9
“Performing in the Spring and Christmas Concerts have been very rewarding experiences. When preparing for the concerts, we see one another grow as musicians and come together as a team. It’s very fulfilling to rehearse with students who share a strong passion for music. This year, I learned the importance of discipline required for all musicians in order to perfect their craft. I would like to thank everyone in the Music Department for imparting their knowledge and inspiring my love of music throughout the years.”
Dylan Ahn, Grade 10
“Performing has always been a gift for me, something to always remember. The people, the places, the pieces played, sung, and danced are such unforgettable memories that I will take with me throughout my life no matter where I go. Me, and all my friends and family, have all benefited and felt the many positive impacts that the arts at St. Mikes offers all that it has interacted with. The joyous, the rewarding, and the transformative experiences that I have had throughout the years, I can never be the same.”
Leo Serafino Favero, Grade 11
“Performing on stage is always such an unforgettable experience. Being able to tell stories through music is my favourite part of being a performer, and having a beautiful stage to perform it on is a huge privilege that I make sure not to take for granted. The months of preparation leading up to the performances all pay off in such a massive way once we get on stage, because we’ve already done all the work: now we can just have fun and enjoy the experience.”
Paul Karras, Grade 11
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