• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • The Harker School
  • Menu
  • Admission
  • Lower School
  • Middle School
  • Upper School
  • Summer
  • More
    • About
    • News
    • Alumni
    • Giving
  • News

  • The Harker News provides timely information, news and features about the Harker community to current and alumni Harker families.

  • |
  • General News
  • Lower School
  • Middle School
  • Upper School
  • Alumni
  • Summer
  • In the News

Winter Performances Showcase Student Talent and Passion

June 29, 2012 by Sara Kendall

Share this:

  • Tweet

This story was originally published in the Spring 2012 issue of Harker Quarterly

Dancing Through Life

  • MS girls robotics qualifies for world championships
    Read
    MS girls robotics qualifies for world championships

On two nights in late January, the Harker Conservatory presented Dancing Through Life: Celebrating the Past and Looking to the Future. This year’s upper school dance production honored the past and present, showcasing classic hits and contemporary favorites while participants look towards futures as dancers and performing artists.

Both performances were held at the Blackford Theater.

The 86 cast members worked very hard to produce a beautiful, lively show. The evening, like the event’s name suggests, was split into two parts, with “Celebrating the Past” performances before intermission and “Looking to the Future” performances after it.

The directors, Karl Kuehn and Amalia De La Rosa, wrote in their program notes that the inspiration for the show’s name was Harker’s motto, “K through Life,” which “plays an integral role in our dance community, [which produces] lifelong learners and dancers who will carry this experience beyond the walls of the dance room and with them as they journey through life.”

Lower School Winter Concert

In early December, The Harker School’s lower school music students gathered for their annual concert. The concert featured five groups total: the choir, orchestra, jazz band and two preparatory ensembles. Technically, practice for the concert began on the first day of class. Class and practice are one and the same, and the concert allows students to  showcase the broad range of styles they’ve learned by singing and playing various pieces.

Closer to the concert date, students selected what they wanted to play. The wonderfully varied program was capped off by a unique, energetic song choice. As the finale for the event, the students chose the theme song to the popular game Angry Birds. The students wore Angry Birds hats, and the piece was conducted with a slingshot.

Middle and Upper School Winter Concert

In mid-January, The Harker School had its 2012 Winter Concert at the Mexican Heritage Theater in San Jose. The show featured the middle school orchestras and jazz band for the first part of the evening, with the upper school orchestra and jazz band following right after. Middle school wind and string ensembles started the evening. The Grade 6 Orchestra took the stage next, and they were followed by the chamber ensemble performances. Then it was grades 7 and 8 students’ turn to shine, which they certainly did through various jazz band pieces as well as through the orchestra’s three selections.

The upper school started off their portion of the evening with their jazz band, and after a short intermission, the upper school orchestra took the stage. They closed out an enjoyable evening with four pieces.

WinterSong Delights

At the end of January, the upper school Conservatory had its annual WinterSong concert. This performance features Bel Canto, a group known for the many musical genres it explores. Several of these were featured at the show, including musical theater, pop and classical, the last of which was particularly rich this year due to two special guests: Cantilena, Harker’s “all-classical-all-the-time” women’s ensemble and Camerata, a mixed classical, choral chamber ensemble, who perform essential works in various languages. Each group performed one piece at WinterSong this year. In addition to collaborating with soloists, Bel Canto also joined forces with a few talented instrumentalists. This year’s event, which was overseen by Jennifer Cowgill, Bel Canto’s director, included students from every upper school grade level.

Grade 5 Takes on the Rockin’ Musical “School Daze”

At the end of January, the entire grade 5 class at The Harker School presented “School Daze: Scenes and Songs from a Rockin’ School Day.”

The musical starts in an “Average Family Kitchen” and takes the audience through the beginning of the day (a scene featuring a song called “I’m in a Daze”) and then through a variety of classes, such as history, English, math, P.E. and choir. Each of the song and dance performances accompanying the scenes had its own unique spin on an aspect of a school day, with song titles such as “I Love My Locker” and “Cafeteria Confusion.” One of the big highlights of the play – which proved to be a delight throughout – was that the students portrayed Harker teachers in any scene a teacher was called for.

There were three showings of the musical, including a special performance for the rest of the lower school.

Downbeat’s Annual Holiday Tour

Downbeat, the upper school’s show choir, brought holiday cheer to the Bay Area in December. They were featured performers at the holiday boutique at Filoli Gardens and gathered an impressive crowd beneath the giant Christmas tree at Pier 39. They also caroled through the halls of the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital children’s oncology ward and sang for both independent seniors and those in assisted living at The Forum in Los Altos. The group closed the evening with a show in the lounge of the San Jose Fairmont Hotel, with family, friends, teachers and administrators cheering them on.

Conservatory Classic

Harker Conservatory alumni reunited in late December for the fourth Alumni Conservatory Classic, held in the Nichols Hall auditorium, featuring alumni from as far back as 2004.

Instrumental talent on display included several violinists, a cellist and a guitarist. Among the many vocal performers onstage during the evening was a duet from a pair of 2011 graduates, followed by many other soloists, including more of the recent ’11 grads as well as graduates from 2007. One solo performance featured dance accompaniment while others were performed in foreign languages, including a stunning piece in French.

Soloists weren’t the only ones to get in on the act, though. A large group of former Cantilena singers from many different graduating classes took the stage that evening, and Guys’ Gig alumni closed the show with arranged versions of popular songs.

Student-Directed Showcase

In January, three seniors made their directorial debuts at this year’s Student-Directed Showcase. Each chose a play to direct and produce, learning a great deal in the process.

From auditioning actors to arranging sets to technical planning, directors gained a wealth of hands-on experience during the class, which many apply for but few get to take. This year’s productions were “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead,” “Voices in Conflict” and “How to Succeed in High School Without Really Trying.”

London New Year’s Eve Performance by The Harker Orchestra

The Harker Orchestra, the upper school’s largest musical ensemble, directed by Chris Florio, performed in London during the city’s New Year celebration. The 76 musicians performed at the famous Cadogan Hall and received a very enthusiastic response. “The audience’s spontaneous reaction was one of the highlights of my musical life because it was so genuine,” said Florio. “They had to stand up right away. I’ve never experienced that as a conductor.”

The students also had the opportunity to march in the London New Year’s Day parade, carrying the flags of the countries participating in this year’s summer Olympic games, which will take place in London.

Baby Wants Candy Brings Tons of Energy to Unique Improv Sessions

Laughter rang through Saratoga and Blackford campuses in early February when Harker was visited by Baby Wants Candy, a musical comedy improvisational troupe who led workshops and performed at a sold-out event.

Baby Wants Candy has permanent troupes in New York and Chicago; at any given time they may have 40-50 performers in groups that tour, including to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where their relationship with Harker began. The troupe performed at an upper school assembly on Feb. 3 and spent both lunchtimes answering questions from Conservatory students at a “Life in the Arts” workshop.

On Friday and Saturday afternoons, Harker students were put through their improv paces in five hours of workshops. They spent Friday breaking down the elements of improv and listening to a fabulous primer on this difficult art form. Saturday they were joined by more of the cast, and the lessons continued, eventually preparing the students for participation in the BWC show on Saturday night.

The first half of the show allowed the Harker workshop students to spread their improv wings and test out all they had learned in the past days. BWC cast members led the students through all manner of improv games, all based on suggestions from the audience.

Then the BWC cast performed. An audience member suggested the title “Presidents on Jeopardy,” and a fully choreographed, plotted and staged musical unfolded, replete with topical political references, hilarious rhymes, and the Jeopardy theme song woven throughout several of the musical numbers.

You may also like

  • Ron McCurdy discusses leadership principles in jazz
    Ron McCurdy discusses leadership principles in jazz
  • Junior wins second prize in ENKOR music competition
    Junior wins second prize in ENKOR music competition
  • Music professor Ron McCurdy speaks on Harlem Renaissance
    Music professor Ron McCurdy speaks on Harlem Renaissance
  • Six Harker students named to all-state ensembles
    Six Harker students named to all-state ensembles
  • Downbeat releases special video for holiday outreach tour
    Downbeat releases special video for holiday outreach tour
  • Junior takes second in singing contest, slated to perform at Carnegie Hall
    Junior takes second in singing contest, slated to perform at Carnegie Hall
  • Face Time: Paul Vallerga
    Face Time: Paul Vallerga
  • Music students spend shelter-in-place creating original compositions
    Music students spend shelter-in-place creating original compositions

Related

Filed Under: General News Tagged With: Performing Arts

Primary Sidebar

Search for Articles

Multimedia Features

  • Harker Research Symposium Video Earns Award
  • Into the Fringe: Conservatory Takes ‘Into the Woods’ to Edinburgh

Subscribe to Harker News via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to Harker News and receive a daily digest of recent posts.

Delivered by FeedBurner

Trending Stories

  • DoorDash co-founder Andy Fang '10 gifts $10 millionDoorDash co-founder Andy Fang ’10 gifts $10 million
  • Harker DECA performs well at SCDCHarker DECA performs well at SCDC
  • Dashing through life: DoorDash founder Andy Fang '10  – an alumni profile from Harker MagazineDashing through life: DoorDash founder Andy Fang…

The Harker Magazine

Published two times a year, The Harker Magazine showcases some of the top news, leading programs, inspiring people and visionary plans of the greater Harker community.

More Harker publications

About Harker

The Harker School is a non-profit, private K-12 school in Silicon Valley that has earned international recognition for its top academics, quality teachers and students' achievements. Founded in 1893, Harker is the largest independent school of its kind in California, with a dedicated campus for each of its divisions – elementary school, middle school and upper school – in San Jose, CA.

Learn more about The Harker School

Links

  • Harker Aquila
  • Preschool
    • Academics
    • Specialty Classes
    • Teachers
    • Support & Services
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
  • Lower School
    • Academics
    • Programs & Extracurriculars
    • Teachers
    • Students
    • Support & Services
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
  • Middle School
    • Academics
    • Programs & Extracurriculars
    • Teachers
    • Students
    • Support & Services
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
  • Upper School
    • Academics
    • Programs & Extracurriculars
    • Teachers
    • Students
    • Support & Services
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
    • Admission
    • Summer
    • About
    • News
    • Alumni
    • Giving
The Harker School

Copyright © 1893-2015 • The Harker School • 500 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, CA 95129 • 408.249.2510 | Contact Us | Privacy Policy

  • Follow Us!
  • Admission
    • Request Information
    • Campus Visits
    • Applying to Harker
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Admission FAQs
  • Preschool
    • Academics
    • Specialty Classes
    • Teachers
      • Teacher Directory
    • Support & Services
      • Extended Care
      • Food Progam
      • Libraries
      • Summer Preschool
      • Transportation
      • Safety & Security
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
  • Lower School
    • Academics
    • Programs & Extracurriculars
      • After-School Program
      • Athletics
        • Coach Directory
        • Athletic Events
      • Character Development & Outreach
      • Global Education
        • Global Relationships - Sister Schools
      • Performing Arts
        • Performing Arts Teacher Directory
      • STEM
      • Student Research
      • Visual Arts
    • Teachers
      • Teacher Directory
    • Students
    • Support & Services
      • Food Program
      • Health & Wellness
      • Libraries
      • Safety & Security
      • Transportation
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
  • Middle School
    • Academics
    • Programs & Extracurriculars
      • After-School Program
      • Athletics
        • Coach Directory
        • Athletic Events
      • STEM
      • Visual Arts
      • Global Education
        • Global Relationships - Sister Schools
      • Performing Arts
        • Performing Arts Teacher Directory
      • Character Development & Outreach
      • Speech & Debate
      • Student Research
    • Teachers
      • Teacher Directory
    • Students
    • Support & Services
      • Food Program
      • Health & Wellness
      • Libraries
      • Safety & Security
      • Technology
      • Transportation
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
  • Upper School
    • Academics
    • Programs & Extracurriculars
      • Character Development & Outreach
      • Performing Arts
        • Performing Arts Teacher Directory
      • Athletics
        • Coach Directory
        • Athletic Events
      • Visual Arts
      • STEM
      • Business & Entrepreneurship
      • Global Education
        • Global Relationships - Sister Schools
      • Speech & Debate
      • Student Research
    • Teachers
      • Teacher Directory
    • Students
    • Support & Services
      • College Counseling
      • Food Program
      • Health & Wellness
      • Libraries
      • Safety & Security
      • Technology
      • Transportation
    • Campus & Facilities
    • School Community
  • Summer
    • Summer Preschool
    • Summer Camp Plus: KinderCamp
    • Summer Camp Plus: Grades 1-5
    • Summer Institute Middle School
    • Summer Institute Upper School
    • English Language Institute
      • Program Details
        • International English Language Institute Brochures
    • Swim School
    • Summer @ The Conservatory
    • About
      • Eligibility
      • Summer Jobs
      • International Families
      • Summer Registration and Policies
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Philosophy & Mission
    • History
      • Harker's 125th!
    • Events
      • Family & Alumni Picnic
        • Admission Passes & Tickets
        • Alumni Guests
        • Schedule of the Day
        • Raffle
        • Silent Auction
        • Picnic T-Shirts
        • Donations
        • Sponsorships
        • Volunteer
        • History
      • Homecoming
      • Harker Concert Series
      • Harker Speaker Series
      • Harker Gala: Night on the Town
        • Community Sponsorships
        • Corporate Sponsorships
      • Harker Sports Clinics
      • Research Symposium
        • Student Abstracts
        • Corporate Exhibitors
      • Harker Alumni Gold Classic
    • Message from the Head of School
    • Board of Trustees
    • Facts & Stats
      • Student Achievements
      • Alumni Achievements
    • Sustainability at Harker
      • Nichols Hall: LEED Certified
    • Eagle Store
    • Staff Directory
    • Careers
    • Media Information
    • Privacy Policy
    • COPPA Statement
  • News
    • General News
    • Preschool News
    • Lower School News
    • Middle School News
    • Upper School News
    • Alumni News
    • Summer News
    • In The News
  • Alumni
    • Transcript Requests
  • Giving
    • How to Plan Your Giving
    • Annual Giving
      • How Funds are Spent
      • Gift Clubs
    • Capital Giving
      • About the Cornerstones Campaign
      • The Cornerstones Of Success Campaign: Phases 1-5
      • Gift Recognition & Namign Opportunities
        • Capital Giving Gift Clubs
      • How To Make A Capital Gift
      • Naming Opportunities
        • Performing Arts Center
        • Athletics Center
        • Paving Tiles
        • Bucknall Campus
        • Saratoga Campus
        • Policy
    • Endowment & Planned Giving
      • Endowment Policy
    • Volunteering
    • Donations and Pledges