Gerstell Academy Presents Spring Concerts and Art Show

The Gerstell Academy community celebrated student accomplishments through a two-evening annual spring concert series. On Tuesday, May 5, the Middle and Upper School Strings Concert took place in the Alumni House, featuring performances from grades 5–8 and the Upper School Strings Ensemble. Selections included Lightly Row, Frère Jacques, Over the Rainbow, Morning, Swan Lake, Toss the Feathers, and Libertango. A standout moment of the evening was senior Elizabeth Rubalsky’s captivating violin performance of Merry Go Round of Life, accompanied by Instrumental Director Mr. Julius Thompson.

The series continued on Thursday, May 7, with chorus and band performances in the Paterakis Athletic Center, where guests were also welcomed by a student art exhibit in the lobby. The exhibit featured diverse media, including wire sculpture, digital art, paintings, and 2D works, curated by art faculty Ms. Quenzer and Ms. Davis. Under the direction of Ms. Jenna Daly, the 5th and 6th Grade Chorus performed I Am a Small Part of the World, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, and A Million Dreams, followed by the 7th and 8th Grade Chorus with Bist Du Bei Mir and Cups. The Upper School Chorus performed Stand Up, Viva La Vida, and In the Light of the Hallway, and the combined choir closed with Dream On.

Band performances, directed by Mr. Julius Thompson, concluded the evening. The 5th and 6th Grade Band opened with selections including Seven Nation Army and Morning, followed by the 7th and 8th Grade Band performing 1812 Overture, The Avengers, and When Summer Takes Flight. The Upper School Band closed the concert with How to Train Your Dragon and a rousing rendition of Marches of the Armed Forces, bringing the celebration to an energetic finish.