Students hit a high note at GREC's Celebration of Music

May 28, 2015

Music students from GREC demonstrated their musical chops in an eclectic line up of musical offerings that delighted the large crowd who attended GREC's Celebration of Music event that took place in the schools cafetorium on May 25.

The evening included performances by the Young Choristers, a choir comprised of students from various local schools under the direction of Christina Wotherspoon, and the GREC Band who who offered three jazz and blues based offerings. In the second half of the show these two ensembles came together for two rousing numbers that included the Best of Glee which had many toes tapping. In addition to these larger ensembles, a number students who played either solo or in small groups covered a wide range musical territory from Lexi Pride's lovely Arabesque on piano, Devon Scott's heart felt version of Adele's Someone Like You, Brianna Drew and Kristin Collis' flute Minuet by J.S. Bach and Joelle Parr's delightful and boppy version of Bright by Echosmith.

One of the highlights of the evening was the trio known as the World Peace Rockers, headed up by Peter Potvan on ukelele and keyboards, Michael Running-Adams on drums and keyboards and supporting them on the keys , GREC staff member Shari Tallon. The group pulled off a great three song set after overcoming a few minor technical glitches that in no way seemed to phase them.

Their versions of K''Naan's World Cup Anthem Wavin' Flag, the Imagine Dragon's Radioactive and Matisyahu's One Day brought the appreciative audience to their feet in a very well deserved standing ovation.

GREC staff also had a chance to shine. Shari Tallon performed an original piano piece titled Theme for Zelda and Julia Schall and Andrew Kirby's performed The Weight by The Band with perfectly blended harmonies and with just the right amount of heft. Last but not least was a performance by the GREC's School of Rock band for 2015, The Undecided who performed a few of their own favorites, including The Way It Is, Clocks, Let Her Go and Lose Yourself. The band put on a solid performance and they were joined by Aidan Kempe who demonstrated that he is a natural. Thanks to a number of dedicated staff members, music education is alive and well in this local community and Monday nights show demonstrated how so many students are reaping the rewards that music education and practice can bring.