Arts & Entertainment
Chamber Music Concert Shines Spotlight on Rising Stars
Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School's Music Department puts on a variety show that was bursting with talent.
Chamber music? I was not sure what to expect when I attended Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s (RFH) Chamber Music Concert on Tuesday night, April 5. Would the students go Baroque or go for the gold records? Perhaps a bit of both.
Chamber music is described as a compilation of small ensemble and solo performances. During the majority of the year, the RFH music department focuses on symphony and jazz band in addition to choir, all of which are large groups.
“Chamber music remains an important factor in the development of any musician, as it gives each individual musician a chance to display their skills outside of the large ensemble setting,” said Music Director Bill Grillo. “We are excited to give all students a chance to shine.”
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And shine, they certainly did. RFH’s concert covered the gamut of solos, duets, trios, and band performances featuring flute, piano, trumpet, percussion and many more instruments.
The two-hour concert integrated classical pieces and modern pop hits for a total of thirty-five songs that made the large auditorium feel like an intimate club.
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“We have programmed a large portion of material for the students, but there is also plenty of material that was chosen by the students themselves,” said Music Director Bill Grillo.
While each piece was notable in its own way, the night’s star performances included Alexa’s Wutt’s opera solo “O Del Mio Dolce Ardor” to which she received a standing ovation and the newly-formed percussion ensemble’s numbers. “Clapping Music,” a piece composed only for clapping of the hands, began with one rhythm, broke out into different sequences and came full circle back to the original cadence. “Taiko Night” filled the auditorium with resounding beats from Japan.
“Percussion is a new ensemble this year, so there’s been a lot of buzz surrounding them,” said sophomore Elizabeth Bricker. “They definitely stand out.”
Avery Brighton, mother of Tower Singer Kendall Brighton, agreed. “My favorite act is the percussion ensemble,” she said. “There is so much incredible talent here.”
Overall, the audience members were positively blown away by every performance. The stage was filled with so many promising young musicians.
“My favorite part about this concert is that students outside the music department join with us,” said Gabby Kenny, a senior vocalist. “We’re all united by our passion for song, and it’s so inspiring to be involved in an event that motivates kids to showcase their talents.”
All of these musicians inspired me. I hope the entire RFH music department takes over the radio someday. If you are interested in hearing some of the RFH talent in the meantime, the high school's spring concert will be held on Thursday, June 2, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
