Just before spring break, the University High School Music Department brought the community together for its annual Spring Concert on Friday, March 21 in Andrews Hall. With performances from the orchestra, wind ensemble, percussion ensemble, and choir, the concert offered a rich and varied program that showcased both musical growth and creative collaboration.
The orchestra and wind ensemble performed a standout piece titled Spanish Overture, composed by senior Mikey Cardwell during his time at the IU Honors program. Mikey’s family was able to watch the concert from overseas via livestream, and his mother and brother Danny (’24) were in attendance. This was the first time an ensemble had presented a student composition in performance. The ensemble was so proud to be able to honor Mikey’s memory this way!
The choir brought international flair to the stage, presenting a Macedonian folk song that featured a violin solo by junior Benjamin Alcantara and a French choral favorite introduced by exchange student Charles-Emmanuel Faye. The ensemble split into treble and bass sections for part of the performance, with alumni Aiden Dorant (’24) stepping in as a guest conductor. They brought the concert to a heartfelt close with an arrangement of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” accompanied by the jazz band.
This year also marked the debut of the Percussion Ensemble’s first-ever drumline performance. Both the percussion and wind ensembles embraced improvisation, giving students the opportunity to explore creative expression in real time.
Music teacher Daniel Knox praised the students’ growth and commitment across all ensembles, calling this the school’s best concert yet. The concert highlighted the increasing range and complexity of University’s music program while remaining rooted in community and joy.