It’s not easy for the Staples High School music department to come up with new ideas.
But they keep doing it.
Last year they introduced a pops concert. This year they’ve added a cabaret — with alumni.
On Friday, May 19 (7:30 p.m.), 5 grads — all music or music theater majors — join 17 current Staples students on the Staples stage.
Alums include Tyler Jent (who graduated a few days ago from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music), Cara McNiff (Elon University), Jack Bowman (Penn State), Emma Ruchefsky (Berklee College of Music) and Julia Mandelbaum (Rider University).
Emma Ruchefsky (shown here with Jack Baylis) is a favorite with Staples music and theater audiences. (Photo/Kerry Long)
The cabaret is a fundraiser for the choral program. But it’s also a chance for the entire community to see the current vocal talent at Staples — and welcome home some very talented grads. To purchase tickets, click here.
Meanwhile, choral director Luke Rosenberg has put a new twist on the traditional spring concert (this Friday, May 12, 7:30 p.m., Staples auditorium). The show — which includes the Orphenians, a cappella choir, chorus and chorale — was completely student-driven.
Concept, theme, musical selections — all were chosen by students.
The title is “Arise: Songs to Sing Through the Day and Night.” The repertoire references different times of day, and all that those windows offer us.
Seems there’s always something new under the Staples music department sun.
Choral director Luke Rosenberg in action. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)