This spring, Berkeley Carroll's fifth and sixth grade band and orchestra students took the Marlene Clary Performance Space for back-to-back concerts that served as a testament to what a single year of dedication can produce. For many of these students, September marked the very first time they held their instruments. By June, they were performing for a full house.

The Band Concert came first. Directed by Christian Robinson, the 5th and 6th Grade Bands opened with separate performances before coming together for a joint finale performance of Furioso. The concert also marked the final concert at BC for beloved Director Kathrine Cooke, who led the ensemble for the final epic piece.

The following evening, the spotlight shifted to strings. Directed by music teachers Kate Mollica and Leigh Stuart, the Grades 5 and 6 Strings Concert featured an impressive range of ensembles, the Grades 5 and 6 Orchestras, the Grades 5 and 6 Chamber Ensemble, and a standout performance from the Six 6ths, who performed Celtic Spring by Tracey Rush, a piece that weaves classical string technique together with the spirit and energy of folk music, in one of the evening's most memorable moments.

And then, in keeping with Middle School Orchestra tradition, the full orchestra came together for the grand finale: Dragon Slayer, a fittingly legendary close to a night that had already delivered plenty of magic.

Congratulations to every student who took the stage this spring, and who are just starting off on their musical journey with BC.

View the Band Concert Photo Gallery Here

View the Strings Concert Photo Gallery Here