Swans on the Lake opens the CAHS 2017 spring concert with a rendition of Richard Smallwood's "Total Praise" on Sunday, May 14 in the school's auditorium.
The Charlotte Amalie High School (CAHS) Music Department welcomed spring in epic fashion with its 2017 "Vintage and Current: A Musical MemoRewind" spring concert held Sunday, May 14 in the school's auditorium.
The 3-1/2 hour musical extravaganza took audience members on a walk down memory lane with student performances featuring music from the 70's, 80's and 90's. The performances also featured some of today's biggest pop tunes, as well as hit songs and music from Africa and the Caribbean.
With approximately 25 performances divided into two acts, the concert opened with a wonderfully executed a cappella performance of Richard Smallwood's "Total Praise" by Swans on the Lake. Following, Aisha and Juane Griffin, along with Khalil Finch presented a pantomime to Kirk Franklin's "I Am." The 10-person, all-female student group Sonority then took to the stage for a spot-on rendition of TLC's '90's hit "Waterfalls" that garnered loud applause from the audience. Next, it was the Mellow Hawks Steele Ensemble's turn to thrill the audience with Machel Montano's "Fast Wine" and other carnival favorites. Among its many selections, the Jazz Combo performed "J'ouvert Morning," offering an ode to j'ouvert revelry of the past.
The Hawks Concert Choir, under the direction of Neomie Toussaint-Williams, performed "Man in the Mirror," made popular by Michael Jackson. The group followed that performance with two rhythmic songs, including "It is So" by William McDowell and "Baba Yetu," by Christopher Tin.
After a brief intermission, the Symphonic Band, under the direction of Luben Daniel, presented a riveting piece titled, "Winds of Change" by Randall Standridge. Prior to the performance, a short narrative was read that referenced former President Barack Obama's messages about affecting change. The Symphonic Band rounded out its performance with "Whispers from Beyond" and "Rephyrgeration."
The all-male Ripples on the Lake brought the house down with its rendition of Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" and other songs. Concert Band Director Roslynn David took the audience on a whimsical journey through Disney as she directed the young musicians in a medley of Disney movie score classics. The Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Francis Callwood, wrapped up the evening's student performances with "Tell Me a Beditme Story" by jazz great, Herbie Hancock; "Piel Canela" (Cinnamon Skin), a vintage song about dancing by Bobby Capo; and "Bacon Suite Blues" by Bret Zvacek.
Throughout the evening, the music department's 22 graduating seniors were recognized, as the concert marked the final time, until graduation, the students would perform as part of the Hawks family. Trivia questions about Charlotte Amalie High School and its music department were also inserted between performances to keep concert-goers entertained.
The show would not be complete without a surprise performance by the CAHS Music Department's faculty--Mr. Callwood, Mr. Daniel, Ms. David and Mrs. Toussaint-Williams. Much to the delight of students and audience members, the group burst on to the stage in full 70's gear--complete with afros and bell bottoms--for a grand finale performance of Earth, Wind and Fire's "September."
What a memorable way to start the spring!
