The Randolph Orchestra Spring Concert, held in the high school auditorium on Tuesday April 21, showcased the talents of the String Orchestra, Chamber Strings and Arrietta. Collectively, the student musicians performed 13 pieces, culminating in a finale that featured singer Isabella Bello, percussionist Felipe Arruda, pianist Aiden Danner, Madison DeLaRosa and the full senior class. 

“This year in orchestra has been really enjoyable,” senior violinist Liam Rose said. “I feel like as an ensemble, we’ve gotten really close to one another, especially among the 14 seniors in this class, and I feel like that’s reflected in the work that we’ve done and what we’ve put on stage tonight.”

Arrieta kicked off the concert with “American Quartet, Movement 4: Finale” composed by Antonin Dvorak, followed by Schubert’s “Serenade.”  The group then performed the upbeat “Standing Next to You” by Jung Kook, arranged by A. Caldwell, and finally, “Vocalise,” composed by Rachmaninoff, featuring senior soloist Marcus Mosquera.  

“Although some of the pieces we played were rhythmically challenging like ‘Standing Next to You,’ I loved that we were able to execute it for our final show,” senior violinist Emily Lindsey said.

Next up, the String Orchestra performed “Maharaja” by Doug Spata, “Speckled Hen Overture” by William Hofeldt, and “Requiem for the Brigadier General” by Akira Senju. The harmonious melodies that filled the room left audience members captivated. 

Following them, Chamber Strings skillfully played “Subterranean Dialogues” by Richard Meyer; “Cello Concerto in A minor, Movement 1” by Saint-Saens, showcasing the artistry of senior Reshma Chase; and lastly, “Suite from ‘Spirited Away’ ” composed by Joe Hisaishi and arranged by A. Caldwell, featuring sophomores Madison DeLaRosa and Aidan Danner. 

To conclude the music-filled evening, the finale featured the combined orchestras of RHS performing “Skyfall” by Atkins and Epworth, with soloist Isabella Bello and pianist Aiden Danner; “Creaking Tree” by Darol Anger with all the RHS seniors on display; and lastly, “Fire in the Forge” by Ted Allen. The audience erupted in applause as the final notes rang through the auditorium. 

“What really stood out to me about this year’s concert was the sense of community we’ve built in our program,” orchestra director Aoma Caldwell said. “We were able to enjoy a meal together, wholeheartedly cheer each other on and work as a flexible team. And of course, it was a joy to play such beautiful music.” 

For the seniors, the concert was especially meaningful, as it was their last time playing altogether.

“I loved when they played the last song because it was also the first song they ever played,” senior Gretchen Tuttle said. “That full-circle moment was very beautiful.”

The musicians clearly gave this final performance their all. While the seniors they may be leaving the Randolph orchestra, the friendships they made will last a lifetime. “Orchestra had led me to develop some of the best friendships and connections I’ve made in my life,” senior bassist Brady Roach said.