The MKA community came together to celebrate the joy and spirit of the holiday season through Winter Concerts held on each campus.

Weiss Auditorium was filled with the sound of Upper School students singing in the Winter Chorus Concert on Friday, December 6. The performances by Jazz Choir, REMIX, Chamber Singers, and Concert Choir were stellar throughout the night. The Advanced Strings joined us for a piece by Antonio Vivaldi, and another selection with Chamber Singers. Students sang multiple solos that impressed the audience over and over again. The Chamber Singers performed a French madrigal from the 1500s and sang songs in many languages. REMIX and Jazz Choir performed favorites from many decades made famous by Frank Sinatra, Bruno Mars, and more in various styles of vocal jazz and pop. A finale song of "Man in the Mirror" ended the performance. View photos.

 

The sixty-seven-piece MKA Jazz and Concert Band performed their Winter Concert on Wednesday, December 11, at the Upper School in Weiss Auditorium. The bands celebrated MKA's 50-year celebrations with pieces from 1974-75, including the jazz hit "Groovin' Hard," the funk classic "Pick Up The Pieces," and a sing-a-long of "Oh, MKA" conducted by MKA Band alumnus, Hannah Ewing '24. The Concert Band also played a piece of Japanese folk music, another with music from Cuba, and film music from How To Train Your Dragon. The Jazz Band played the standard "Afro Blue," as well as Frank Sinatra's version of "You Make Me Feel So Young," featuring vocalist Allan Haynes, and Aretha Franklin's version of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," featuring vocalist Katie Holzer. Congratulations to the MKA student musicians—we look forward to their five performances in the second semester! Special thanks to Vicki So '26 for her beautiful artwork on the concert poster. View photos.

 

The Middle School hosted its Winter Choral Concert on Thursday, December 12, 2024, delighting audiences in the Logan Auditorium. The concert showcased the remarkable talents of the fourth through eighth-grade chorus, Chamber Singers, and combined choirs. Highlights included “Over My Head,” “A Million Dreams,” and a heartfelt finale, “May Peace Be Always with You,” performed by all the choirs. Special thanks go to the director Mr. Chae Anderson, accompanist Teresa-Marie Gotanco, technical director Diane Giangreco, and Middle School student Chloe B. ’30 for her stunning cover artwork. We are also profoundly grateful for the support of the parents, faculty, and staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event a success. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this beautiful musical tradition! View photos.
 

On Wednesday, December 18, the Middle School Bands presented their Winter Concert in Logan Auditorium. The fourth-grade band made its debut performance, combining beginner classics like "Hot Cross Buns" and "Mary Had a Little Lamb" with a creative "Shark Suite," which featured music from John Williams' Jaws soundtrack as well as Baby Shark. Mr. Murphy and the fifth grade band thrilled the audience with Randall D. Standridge's adventurous, pirate-themed "Blackbeard." The Upper House Jazz Band brought the house down with their swinging performances of "Jammin' With Charlie" and Jack McDuff's "Tough 'Duff," which featured exceptional student soloists. The sixth-grade band lifted spirits with Carol Brittin Chambers' "A Jubilant Spirit," while the seventh-grade band showcased their growing and sophisticated musicianship with Adrian B. Sims' "Moonlight Bliss" and Christina Huss's "Trajectory." The eighth-grade band captivated listeners with Tyler S. Grant's "At Twilight" and took the audience on an exciting musical adventure with Randall D. Standridge's "Bazaar." The concert concluded with the combined seventh and eighth-grade bands performing Chris Ferguson's "Winter Adventure." With student artwork by Tony L. '29 and thoughtful commentary from our student speakers, it was truly a celebration of music and community! View photos.

 

Just ahead of winter break, the Primary School held its Winter Concert on Friday, December 20. Students' joyful voices filled the room among faculty and families. Music Teacher and Strings Specialist Rachel O’Connor accompanied the opening song, "Revel My Friends." From Kindergarteners singing "My Favorite Things" to students in third grade adding a small percussion ensemble to the Ghanaian folk song, "Sansa Kroma," it was a wonderful way to celebrate the season at Brookside. View photos.