Student musicians and vocalists wow at the 'Winter Winds' concert
Upper school musicians sent RE into the holiday break with a winter concert that displayed the program's continued development and inspired a spirited standing ovation. The Winter Winds, Voices and Strings II event at the Lewis Family Auditorium on Dec. 12 featured classical greats, special selections and a James Bond medley, and it concluded with more than 70 student performers on stage for "Sleigh Ride." Under the direction of RE faculty member Jon Hamm, the RE Symphony Orchestra, Vocal Ensemble and Jazz Singers combined for the exhilarating holiday finale that brought the crowd to its feet. Photo Gallery
Hamm addressed the audience briefly, dedicating the performance to the late Shawn Costantino, who served as Director of Arts at RE for three years until his departure in July. He passed away in November. During his tenure at RE, the RE Symphony Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble were launched, and the RE Jazz Singers debuted this past fall.
Choral Director Laura Montes and Strings Music Director Scott O'Donnell also addressed the audience and congratulated their students.
"Tonight is a celebration of their hard work, growth and dedication," O'Donnell said. "Over the past few months, your children have not only been learning notes, rhythms and bowings, but also time management, team work, discipline and the joy of creating something beautiful."
Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 6 - 12 located on two campuses in Coconut Grove, Florida. Ransom Everglades School produces graduates who "believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it." The school provides rigorous college preparation that promotes the student's sense of identity, community, personal integrity and values for a productive and satisfying life, and prepares the student to lead and to contribute to society.