RE Log - Fall 2023

32 Ransom Everglades LOG FALL 2023 Student News Magical Matilda Middle schoolers bring the Broadway hit to Swenson Hall The musical Matilda was a smash hit on Broadway, a streaming success on Netflix and, as of March 8-10, a sensation at Swenson Hall. RE’s middle school drama students performed Matilda for three straight nights and during a matinee for students from CARE Elementary and Comstock Elementary. With colorful sets, vivid lighting and adorable costumes, RE’s drama students provided a distinctly Raider rendition of the famous Roald Dahl story that showcased more than 25 student-actors, a handful of crew members and the charming Matilda, played by Flavia Contreras ’28 . From a light-hearted opening piece by the Advanced Chamber String Quartet to a rousing encore by the new RE Symphony Orchestra, Ransom Everglades’ Major Works Concert displayed the extraordinary growth of the school’s upper school performing arts program. Culminating in three pieces from Ransom Everglades’ brand- new 50+-member orchestra, the April 23 event also showcased the school’s new upper school vocal ensemble along with winds, strings, brass and percussion musicians. Students performed highly regarded works in small groups and large ensembles for a crowd of several hundred including about 50 grandparents and alumni who attended the April 21-23 Alumni Weekend festivities. Director of Arts Shawn Costantino emceed, and RE performing arts faculty Jon Hamm, Scott O’Donnell and Laura Montes each served as conductor at various points. On “This can only be described as a resounding, amazing first year,” Costantino said. The Advanced Chamber String Quartet played Dvorak’s “American Quartet,” and the String Orchestra followed with pieces by Mozart and Handel. The RE String Quartet performed Phillip Glass’s “Company,” and the Advanced Chamber Ensemble offered pieces by Handel and Brian Balmages. The RE Vocal Ensemble performed five pieces, including two from the recent RE musical: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella . A highlight was Movements 1-2 of Vivaldi’s Gloria. The Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra concluded the event; the finale was Movement 4 of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique . Hamm presented two major end-of-year music awards: Eleonora Cavallini ’23 received the Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award, and Leah Maduro ’23 , the RE band president, received the Bill Pender Service Award. Campus Music Night at RE Under the direction of performing arts faculty member Cecilia Gonzalez with the help of Gina Montet, RE’s drama students mesmerized with their large-ensemble songs and dances. Students from CARE and Comstock, whose visit was organized by admission associate Carla Hill, laughed and applauded throughout. Middle school students, parents and faculty filled Swenson Hall all three nights. RE musicians display range and skill at Major Works Concert