As the academic year comes to an end, the Old Saybrook High School music and arts departments showcase months of dedication through a series of major spring events. From professional theater stages to interactive campus festivals, these final performances celebrate student achievement, honor graduating seniors, and look ahead to the department’s upcoming seasons.
On June 2nd, the select ensemble and choir had their end of year concert at the Kate, showing the hard work and dedication they have put into learning their pieces this semester. The Concert at the Kate is a prestigious annual showcase that elevates the Old Saybrook High School music program by moving student musicians onto a professional stage. Held at the historic Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center on Main Street, this landmark event features advanced performances from the high school’s select ensembles, jazz ensembles, and choral groups. For the student performers, it provides a real-world experience with theater acoustics, environment, and professional stage production. For the Old Saybrook community, the concert serves as a deeply meaningful tradition that celebrates the town’s artistic heritage and offers graduating seniors a memorable final performance. When an anonymous freshman participant was asked on how he felt about the performance at the Kate, and what he thinks the importance of it is, he said, “I feel that the Kate performance was a great way for everyone to connect through music, and each group showed how music can be expressed in a variety of ways, through singing and playing, It’s also a chance for the community to get together and enjoy the youth of Old Saybrook having fun and representing our school.”
On June 9th, OSHS TAJ night will be held. TAJ at Old Saybrook High School is an interactive festival that transforms the campus into a multi-sensory celebration of student creativity. Visitors can walk through dynamic art galleries showcasing impressive paintings, sculptures and pottery while enjoying live musical sets by the talented OSHS Jazz Band, select choirs, and theater performers. As families explore the exhibits, they can sample refreshments prepared by student culinary programs, making it a true community event that highlights the school’s diverse artistic talent. Freshman Nathan Belknap who has been a part of 2 TAJ nights this year says, “TAJ is a great way to embrace OSHS’s students’ talents in a fun and entertaining way. Whether it’s just browsing the halls to look at art or watching and listening to jazz and performances, TAJ gives students an opportunity to showcase their hard work and creativity.” He also believes, “TAJ is important because it celebrates creativity and reminds everyone that artistic talents are just as valuable as achievements in academics and athletics.”
On June 18th during the graduation ceremony, the underclassman of the band get the opportunity to play in front of the graduating seniors and their families. For the student musicians on stage, this event serves as the final performance of the academic calendar and marks a leadership transition, as underclassmen step into the performance roles vacated by the graduating seniors. The ceremony provides a concluding milestone for the ensemble, requiring the remaining students to execute the traditional ceremonial repertoire before a large public audience.
Finally, next year’s play has officially been announced! Next season at OSHS, the theater department will be performing and showcasing the play, Christmas Lights. Following the play, OSHS dRAMa will be performing Seussical for their Spring Musical.
