Last week, student musicians performed three concerts under the tent on the FAC lawn. Students and audience members were thrilled to experience these concerts in person.
Instrumental ensembles performed everything from classics like Dvorak and Copland to Disney favorites like “The Mandalorian.”
Steve Willemssen, our Orchestra and Band Director, reflects, “I have been so thankful for the opportunity to have instrumental classes in person all year long, and I felt that same sentiment from students. They showed consistently throughout the year that they didn’t take for granted being part of a music ensemble by their excellent engagement in rehearsals. This feeling of thankfulness and celebration really came to fruition at our concert, and I felt that that audience also shared that spirit. I was so pleased with the amount of energy that the students brought to the music.”
The choral concert featured music expressing a variety of emotional responses to hardship. The songs dealt with pain, comfort, sorrow, and hope, reminding listeners to hold onto the truth that God himself is with us no matter which song we sing.
Joel Visker, our Choral Director, shares, “Music gives language to express emotions that are hard to capture with only words. In our Spring Choral Concert, the students explored the trials and challenges we’ve faced this past year. Inviting a live audience to share in our songs of lament, hope, and praise was a profound experience. Many students commented that the songs took on new meaning for them as they were finally able to share and witness the audience reaction to the music.”
Wheaton Academy is committed to helping students develop musical excellence, self-confidence, expression, and a heart for using music to serve others.