Poly’s Spring Visual Arts Festival and Instrumental Concert as well as the Vocal Concert occurred in late April. With the new performing arts center the Poly Arts Department was thrilled to host their annual spring performances and showcases that brought Poly’s Middle and Upper School dancers, musicians, vocalists, and artists to the forefront.
The Spring Vocal Concert was even more specialized than the Winter Music Festival that was held in December. The main difference was that Poly’s instrumentalists and singers each get their own concert. In preparation, the vocal performers perfected their performances since Winter Break. In terms of organizing the show, Vincent Iannelli, the choral director and music programs coordinator, said that, “Choosing the programming is one of the most important things of any type of show.” All the songs and performances have to be coherent while also having their own personalities. Despite this, Iannelli added that, “People can expect a really nice varying repertoire from classical music to pop music to jazz music.”
The arts showcase was the first showcase in the new building. Everybody’s artwork was placed in the showcase, giving all of Poly’s artists the opportunity to share their art. Laura Coppola, the head of the visual arts, said she had to consider, “How does [the department] want to juxtaposed and make a conversation by 9th graders in a Foundations class and if they speak to works in the photography class,” as well as, “what kinds of visual conversations can we also think about instigating.”
In addition to displaying the works of students in art classes, there were displays for those who won Scholastic awards. Multiple Poly students applied and won silver, gold, and bronze keys for their incredible work and this showcase was a time to present them to the community.
Additionally, there was artwork created by alumni because of the Special Reunion, which took place on April 20, five days before the regular showcase. These pieces were part of a spotlight exhibition that opened on April 25. Coppola and Michael Robinson, the head of the arts department, as well as those who work with alumni, have been reaching out and collecting pieces. Coppola said their goal was to, “get a handful of [alumni] works on campus so we can exhibit them in a part of the gallery.” In addition to these works there was also current student work. “Mr. Robinson and I will select the best of the best artworks created in 9th grade and 12th grade,” said Coppola.
The Instrumental Concert was similar to the Vocal Concert, with a range of performers in middle and upper school. Performing Arts Faculty member Carrie Dowell directed the Middle and Upper School string ensembles. Because the high schoolers already had the chance to perform during the Winter Music Festival, she said that they were working on, “extending their musical techniques and musicality.”
On the other hand, the middle schoolers worked on their sight reading as well as learning some fun music. Dowell said the show included, “Bluegrass music, dramatic movie style music, some Spanish music, and then going back in time to Italy for some Vivaldi music.”
