The Guild Theatre was buzzing as Riekestra—the student-run music cover band from the Riekes Center—took the stage on Monday night. The crowd was full of people clapping, dancing, and cheering through a setlist that moved from funky classics to soulful ballads. For the students and instructors of Riekstra, the concert wasn’t just another show—it was the culmination of months of rehearsals, a chance to showcase their growth, and a celebration of how far they had come together.
Voices and instruments lit up the night, each leaving a unique effect. Genevieve Mahoney sang “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder and her variety of notes left the room buzzing. Drummer Aria Wankle set the rhythm with a smile on her face and high energy. Former student and now instructor Keegan Dyer jumped in with the flawless vocals to wow the crowd.
The setlist itself was a rollercoaster of emotions and styles. Their mashup of “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys was unique and powerful, encouraging people to dance and sway together under the stage lights. An astonishing version of “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse sent the crowd into applause, and their take on “Santeria” by Sublime had everyone bouncing with energy. By the final chorus of “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge and “Hey Jude” by The Beatles, the concert had truly left its mark with a sense of community.
Riekestra was founded over a decade ago by musician Guy Norah, who had once dreamed of playing music in Southern Europe. His dream developed into a program that not only takes students each summer to perform in Spain, but also creates a supportive environment where they can grow as passionate musicians and people.
“There’s a community service aspect to it, where we create a safe space for everybody to be themselves,” Norah said.
Every summer, after weeks of rehearsals, the group heads to Barcelona and surrounding areas like Sitges. There, they play in beachside towns where locals now look forward to their return. The program is selective, considering not only talent. Students interview with instructors to ensure they’re the right fit. “We look for two things,” Norah said. “Musical talent, but also a community-oriented mindset.”
Both focuses were evident on stage at The Guild, where the students cheered each other on, hyped up solos, and radiated a spirit of family.
The performers themselves carried the night with both talent and heart. Leia Tu, a junior at Woodside High School and first-year Riekestra bassist, has been taking lessons at the Riekes Center since fourth grade. “I was really into Bruno Mars when I started playing, so I really wanted to play ‘Grenade’ on bass,” Tu said. Tu’s talent shone at The Guild, as she glided through each song with ease, giving the band some foundation.
One singer on vocals, Bianka Zelaya, who graduated from M-A in 2025, is entering her third year with the program. After winning Battle of the Bands last year with her group Nocturnal Paranoia, she continues to grow as a performer. She describes the setlist as “fun, loud, and chaotic,” and her stage presence reflected that mix of energy and control.
“I was a very shy person, so my biggest challenge was being myself at school. I think when I am on stage, I am more of myself than I am any other time,” Zelaya said. “Being able to overcome that challenge of performing at school and being a performer on stage really helped me just be able to get rid of all the other worries and doubts that I had in my mind.”
Guitarist Ryan Weinswig, a rising junior at Menlo School, was another highlight of the night. He started on classical guitar at age seven before switching to rock a few years ago at the Riekes Center. “I switched over and started playing rock guitar and never looked back,” Weinswig said.
For Weinswig, the best part is the community bond. “My favorite part about the Riekestra is definitely the community, especially the bond between all the students. I love watching the crowd’s faces, especially as they get into it,” Weinswig said.
For Caroline McNally, the Executive Director of the entire Riekes Program, community is exactly what Riekestra represents. “It just brings together everything about music in whatever facet you want to experience it, whether as a performer or being involved in the stage. You see so much growth and joy with the whole thing,” McNally said.
From shy beginners growing into confident vocalists, every student showed what happens when you combine hard work, encouragement, and the power of community. As Norah himself advised aspiring musicians: “Don’t give up. If you play and you love it, keep doing it, even if you stop for a while. If it’s a dream, pursue it.”
