A Symphony of Cultures: RAHS Music Departments Shine at Spring Concerts

By: Reedsburg Features Staff Reporters

The CAL Center was recently filled with the sounds of global rhythms and classical masterpieces as the RAHS band, choir, and orchestra presented their annual spring concert series. This year’s performances stood out not only for their customary technical precision but for a remarkable commitment to cultural diversity and linguistic challenge.

One of the most striking elements of the choir's performance was the sheer range of languages mastered by the students. Choir Director Kristen Sporakowski noted that she was most proud of the fact that every single choir sang in a foreign language this spring. The repertoire included pieces in Hungarian, Zambian, Malay, Italian, German, and French.

"Music education strengthens everything it touches," Sporakowski shared, echoing the sentiment that these performances do more than just entertain—they educate.

Among the standout pieces was "Erik A Som," a Hungarian song translated as "Cherries Ripen." For student Anna Turner ‘29, this piece represented a significant hurdle. "This song had many different verses and was difficult to memorize and learn the pronunciation for," she explained. Fellow student Madeline Meyer ‘27 faced similar linguistic challenges with the German piece "Zigeunerleben," noting that the fast tempo and lack of repeating text required her to "mentally group parts of the song and learn it in chunks."

The concerts also provided a platform for individual students to showcase their growth. Deacon Ohan ‘27, a violist in the orchestra, performed a soloist role in Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

"In 'Spring,' there is a passage where four soloists imitate birds chirping and singing to one another," Ohan described. "The bright expressiveness of the part makes it really fun to play, but it's also challenging because all four soloists have to create a similar sound."

Drake Andrus, a tenor soloist in the Chamber Singers, found that his solo pushed his vocal limits in a positive way. "I really liked how the solo was just high enough to be in my range but low enough for me to sing it well in my head voice," Andrus said. Like his peers, he also navigated the difficulties of foreign language, practicing German pronunciation to perfect his performance.

On the instrumental side, Band Director Scott Bruer highlighted the energy of the preparations. "I am most proud of how wonderfully the kids prepared for the performance and peaked just at the right moment," he said. The bands explored complex rhythms in pieces like "Invocation and African Dance," based on a traditional Ghanaian dance, and "Festal Scenes," which incorporates four Japanese folk songs.

For Ohan, the orchestra's performance of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition held a deep personal connection. "My grandfather was a violinist in high school and this was his favorite piece," Ohan shared. "Finally getting a chance to play it has been outstanding."

The Power of the Arts

The success of these shows is a testament to the "disciplinary literacy" practiced at RAHS, where students learn to "think, read, communicate, and perform" within the specific context of music. By engaging with complex, content-rich materials, students are strengthening their critical thinking and creativity.

Bruer emphasized the broader impact of these programs, noting that the arts are essential for fostering holistic development and emotional well-being. He highlighted that these experiences promote the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that lead to higher engagement and improved social skills for all students.

As the final notes of "Let the River Run"—a favorite of many students for its massive, all-choir sound—faded away, it was clear that the RAHS Music Department had not just put on a show, but had successfully navigated a complex curriculum of language, culture, and technique.

"I am most proud of how wonderfully the kids prepared for the performance," Bruer said of all the performers across the department. "They peaked just at the right moment to put on a spectacular show."