M-A’s guitar classes displayed an impressive array of musical talent and teamwork in their annual concert on Wednesday, directed by Guitar teacher John Jordan.
The concert kicked off with an ensemble performance of The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” by the fourth period class, setting the tone with its haunting melody and poetic lyrics. The rendition featured student vocalists junior Kealy Bryman and senior Addison Andara, with junior Evan Ten Vaanholt on the djembe. The song was a collaborative effort that highlighted the inclusivity and teamwork of the class.
This was followed with a stirring guitar performance of Ludwig Van Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” which captivated the audience with its harmonious blend of classical melody and modern flair. It brought Beethoven’s iconic composition to life with a simplicity and grace that emphasized their talent and dedication.
The evening also featured solo and small-group performances, starting with the song “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young. The audience swayed to the soulful tune creating a rich tapestry of sound featuring sophomore Matthew Teeple on guitar and Ten Vaanholt once again on djembe.
One memorable performance was a heartfelt acoustic rendition of Coldplay’s “Yellow,” performed by senior Molly Kilburn and sophomore Aleah Nelson on guitars, Bryman on drums, and junior Joshua Carriel on bass. The slow tune with a gentle rhythm and soulful vocals created an emotional atmosphere, drawing the audience into the song’s tender mood.
Another highlight was a duet of Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from the “Toy Story” soundtrack, performed by Bryman and junior Allie Orzo, a cheerful and nostalgic tune that instantly resonated with the audience. The performers’ harmonies and worked well together to bring the beloved classic to life, evoking smiles and warm memories of friendship and childhood.
For a change of pace, Andara delivered a heartfelt performance of Jelly Roll’s “Save Me,” accompanied by a soft and emotional piano background. Her powerful vocals and raw emotion captivated the crowd, creating an intimate atmosphere that highlighted the song’s depth and vulnerability.
This performance was followed by a winter classic, Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas,” beautifully sung by senior Melanie Jimenez. Her rich, soulful voice brought warmth and hope to the spirit of holidays, complemented by the gentle piano.
Teeple delivered an electrifying solo performance of “Cherub Rock” by The Smashing Pumpkins. His guitar work captured the intensity of the iconic anthem, showcasing both technical skill and passion. The audience was captivated by his performance, which set a powerful rock edge to the evening’s performances.
Ten Vaanholt kept the holiday spirit alive with a jaunty performance of “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms on guitar. His enthusiasm brought a festive rhythm to the auditorium.
Last in the small-group performances was Peter Green’s “Black Magic Woman,” performed by Carriel on bass and Bryman on drums. This dynamic duo showcased their seamless rhythm and energy.
“There’s a statement, ‘rock and roll is an addiction’—it really is,” Carriel said, commenting on the electrifying energy of performing live music.
Fifth period ended the night with the same pieces as fourth period, bringing a rock-infused energy to the evening with songs like “Eleanor Rigby” and more classic tunes such as “Ode to Joy” once again.
The concert closed with a reprise of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising,” featuring Jackson Wright as a guitar solo. As the final notes echoed through the hall, the crowd erupted into applause, a testament to the hard work and talent of the students.
“It’s been a good two months so far. The students were engaged, and the concert was a great opportunity for them to showcase their hard work,” Jordan concluded.
