Showcasing the Arts in Every Division

The arts are alive at Country Day, as evident by performances in all three divisions throughout the week of December 5. 

On Tuesday, December 6, kindergarten, Montessori, and first grade students held an art show and performance about what they love about Country Day in Keeler Theater. The show featured a dedication to the Lower School faculty and staff to the tune of "You Are My Sunshine," a fun dance number to "Hakuna Matata," an unexpected kindergarten rendition of "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys, and of course, the signing of the alma mater, accompanied by Olivia Ims `28 on the piano.  

On Wednesday, December 7, the second, third, and fourth grade students produced, designed, led, and performed their own mini-musical "Bruno's School of Doom." They also showed off their most recent art projects, including self-portraits.  

"We talk about our character virtues in class and in our houses, and I see them up here on stage," said Mark Morawski, Lower School head. "It takes a lot of courage and responsibility - two of our five virtues - to get up on stage and perform."  

Then, on Thursday, December 8, the Upper School Winter Concert and Art Show displayed just how much talent is present in the Upper School.  

Honors, AP, and studio art students displayed their work in the Messer Gallery and throughout the school. Pieces included textile paintings, art journals, photography, and paintings inspired by street art, mental illness, body image, and more.  

The Upper School jazz band, a.k.a "The Nighthawk Band," performed a handful of songs, including jazz tunes like "Birdland," a solo tango piece, "Los Suenos" by Emil Hettich `23, and a selection of holiday tunes.  

The choir, led by new faculty member Greg Miller, performed five songs, including "Spirit" by Beyonce, "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music, and "What Christmas Means to Me" featuring solos by Catherine Monroe `25 and Imri Young `25.  

"I hope you see the talent these young students have tonight and see that we are creating a foundation for the choral arts here at Country Day," said Miller. 

Finally, the week wrapped up with the Middle School Day of Music on Friday, December 9. Performances included fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grade bands and all six Middle School choirs. Will Stoll `28 performed a saxophone solo during the seventh grade band performance of “Sax-o-matic" and eighth grade choir members Charlotte Dickerhoof, Emily Franzosa, Aanyah Johnson, Reese Garringer, Claire Donovan, Andrea Sgro Plat, and Evelyn Ni, all sang solos in the song “We Are Warriors” by Avril Lavigne.  

“I love the Middle School Day of Music because, as an athlete, I find it incredible to hear these students perform on stage,” said Theresa Hirschauer, Middle School head. “I’m always blown away by how much these students practice their talents, whether in athletics, band, choir or even in the classroom. Their dedication to learning and practicing theirr skills day in and day out makes me proud.”