As audience members filed through the doors of Lasker Auditorium, the chimes, melodies, and harmonies of student musicians filled the space. Harvestfest, North’s annual fall concert, took place Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m., offering a snapshot of the musical work students have been preparing throughout the semester.
Featuring performances by Family Singers, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Tiger Bebop, Vocal Ensemble, and Wind Ensemble, the concert kept the audience engaged all night with a wide range of instrumental and vocal selections.
“Harvestfest showcases a snippet from each of the music groups tonight, and they all sound great,” said fine and performing arts department head Todd Young.
The Wind Ensemble opened the evening, brightening the auditorium with layered wind instrumentation and selections spanning multiple musical eras. Their performance set an energetic and polished tone for the rest of the program.
Later in the concert, Family Singers—a small vocal ensemble—took the stage, using close harmonies and expressive delivery to connect with the audience. The group performed pieces including “The Cuckoo,” which brought an uplifting energy to the auditorium, and “Somewhere Beyond the Sea,” a heartfelt love song.
“I’ve enjoyed seeing how everyone in this group has grown to be a better musician and ensemble player this fall,” said music teacher Olivia de Geofroy, director of Family Singers.
The ensemble’s cohesion was evident throughout their performance.
“We have all connected as a choral group, which could not have been possible without the amazing leadership from Ms. de Geofroy,” said junior Olivia McLoughlin, a member of Family Singers and Tiger Bebop.
“This is a really special community of people,” said Wind and Jazz Ensemble director Richard Labedz.
The concert concluded with a lively Jazz Ensemble performance, blending modern and classic styles through bold brass lines and rhythmic accompaniment. Their upbeat set brought the night to an energetic close, leaving the audience with a strong impression of the dedication and talent developed throughout the fall season.
