Students Take to the Stage for Arts Night!
Millbrook students presented an exciting Arts Night on December 9th. The event included a creative lineup of music, dance, improvisation, and more.
“Instrumental ensemble displayed the hard work that they have put in throughout the semester,” said Director of Instrumental Mustic Steve Siktberg. The ensemble performed a variety of music, including R&B, television theme songs, and works from the Beatles.
Performance Porfolio students brought both drama and comedy to the stage by showcasing ten monologues from a range of writers. These included Christopher Durang, Shakespeare, and even a fun excerpt from the film Back to the Future. “These young actors were polished and focused,” said Director of Theater Elaine Lifter. “They delivered impressive performances throughout the evening!”
Vocal Music Director Joe Raciti was also very proud of his students.”They worked very hard to perform challenging arrangements,” he said. One such arrangement was of Valerie, which includes nine different parts sung simultaneously at moments throughout the chorus section. “Being able to perform this piece was a testament to the group’s talent and hard work,” said Mr. Raciti.
A solo vocal performance was also presented by Samantha Besca ‘18 and the audience enjoyed beat boxing from Uni Hunte '18.
Choreography students showcased a range of technique through four different performances. One featured choreography that was a collaborative creative effort between Director of Dance Leighann Kowalsky and her students.
"It was exciting to celebrate the hard work of our choregraphy students at Arts Night," said Ms. Kowalsky. "The piece included lifts and partnering, and students who did not come to Millbrook with a fomal dance background were able to study the boundaries of composition in a more challenging way."
Students who participate in private dance lessons also presented a collaborative base. This unique performance was inspired by the concept of sea-sickness and the fluidness of the movement that causes this feeling. Students were challenged to incorporate advanced technical lighting and cues, which were designed and excuted entirely by the students.
"It was exciting to celebrate the hard work of our choregraphy students at Arts Night," said Ms. Kowalsky. "The piece included lifts and partnering, and students who did not come to Millbrook with a fomal dance background were able to study the boundaries of composition in a more challenging way."
Students who participate in private dance lessons also presented a collaborative base. This unique performance was inspired by the concept of sea-sickness and the fluidness of the movement that causes this feeling. Students were challenged to incorporate advanced technical lighting and cues, which were designed and excuted entirely by the students.
“There is so much creativity at Millbrook,” said Arts Department Chair Sarah MacWright. “It is always exciting to see students combine disciplines for events like Arts Night to enhance the aesthetic and experience for our audience.”
The hard work of our students and faculty was certainly evident, and the high-energy evening was enjoyed by all who attended.
Please visit our online photo gallery for images from the evening.
