On Thursday, May 22, the Archie Williams Performance Workshop (PW) class hosted the first of two nights of their end-of-year concert. The event showcased five bands, performing three to five songs each. The bands played a mix of some slow pop songs, such as a cover of “Girl From Ipanema” by Amy Winehouse, and energetic pop songs, such as “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John. Some of these performances featured engaging choreography, guitar solos, and captivating vocals.
PW teacher Mario Aparicio hosted the event, and during interludes, he gave awards to certain seniors to congratulate them on their final performances before they head off to college.
Band #1 kicked off the show with a cover of “Malibu” by Hole. The band members included lead vocalists sophomore Lena Marcucci and sophomore Lilly Zucker, senior Colton Renga and sophomore Quinn Menke-French on guitar, freshman Everett Connell on drums, senior Orion Manley on percussion, freshman Lyla Barnhardt on keys, and freshman Scarlett Rankin on bass. Lena’s soothing vocals and ability to lead her band made her an integral part of band #1’s enchanting performance, and is worthy of an honorable mention.
Band #2 took to the stage and played songs such as “Black Star” by Radiohead and “Custard Pie” by Led Zeppelin. The members of the band are vocalists junior Julia Wise, sophomore Coral John and freshman Alexis Hinsdale, guitarist junior Mason O’Byrne, bass player freshman Mason Barnhardt, and drummer sophomore Alex Casey.
Alex led this band’s heartfelt performance and continued to demonstrate his outstanding playing skills throughout the night. Alex showcased his talents by keeping tempo and taking the performance seriously. Coral skillfully switched from vocals to guitar during band #2’s performance of “Blackstar” by Radiohead.
Julia received the night’s first award from Aparicio for her leadership behind the scenes. The award recognized her contributions during this final concert of the year.
The third band performed four songs, including a cover of “Girl From Ipanema” by Amy Winehouse and “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John. Band Three’s members included senior Stella Smoot and sophomore Maggie Pierce on vocals, freshman Henry Luck and freshman Judah Emanuel on guitar, freshman Gus Ziegler on keys, and sophomore Max Polony on bass.
Judah’s guitar playing was the most notable from that night, especially his unique choreography. During the song, “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John, he sat on the floor and stood up on the line “I’m still standing.”
The fourth band was the only band to perform an original track, titled “Be The Man.” The members of Band Four included senior Stella Gregor, junior Hanna Janson, and senior Kalliope Parish on vocals, alongside junior guitarists Finn Gleason and Ben Bergen. Senior Noah Casey was on bass, and senior Ellis Lynch was on drums. After the band’s performances, all three vocalists received awards for best vocalists.
The final band kicked off their set with “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears, all wearing wacky outfits such as an astronaut suit, a lizard hat, and a bathrobe. The members included sophomore Petra Betti on vocals, senior Elijah Galland and senior Elliot Garneau on guitar, senior Noah Casey and senior Zeke Cunningham on drums, with guest appearances from junior Ryan Cunningham on trombone and sophomore Jay Pikkarainen-Klein on alto saxophone.
Zeke Cunningham, thanks to his incredible, versatile drumming throughout the night, was a clear highlight. Petra also notably stole the show, being the only solo vocalist of the night, and led Band Five in singing “Do I Do” by Stevie Wonder, “Free Man In Paris” by Joni Mitchell, and “Brother to Brother ” by Gino Vannelli.
All five bands had notable performances altogether and left the room speechless, and the concert definitely ended the year off well. The second night of the end-of-year concert was Friday, May 23.
