Fulton Performing Arts Center is Busy with Shows

The Overlake community is invited to see our student musicians and singers in their final performances of the school year.

This week, three Upper School performances are scheduled in the Fulton Performing Arts Center.

For many, it will be their last performance on the Fulton stage. “For the seniors in these ensembles, this is their Senior Night,” says Arts Chair Erin Gabriel. “Some have been singing or playing their instruments here since 5th grade.”

Wednesday night, the Concert and Jazz Bands hit the stage in the first of our performances. The Concert Band will play cinema soundtracks from "Star Wars", "Gabriel’s Oboe", and "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". The Jazz Band will play numerous jazz standards including "Moon River".

Thursday night, the music continues with Overlake’s Orchestra playing several classical pieces both familiar and new. Conductor Mark Lotz's program includes his Beginning Strings, Intermediate Strings, and Chamber Orchestra playing works from composers Edvard Grieg and Anthony Dvorak. American composer Soon Hee Newbold's modern arrangements will also be featured.

Friday night, there will be a special feature with the Chamber Choir and some members of the Jazz Band performing “Everybody Rejoice” from "The Wiz".  The concert will finish with “The Color Purple” and a gospel tune called “Freedom Train.”  Also included will be a few folk songs, a lullaby about a refugee girl entitled “Beneath the African Sky”, and tunes from a capella groups, the Unaccompanied Minors and the Y-Chromotones.

Gabriel says the best way to show appreciation for the Arts is by filling auditorium seats. “We appreciate your support of these student musicians who work hard on the stage, in their classes, and on the sports fields. We would love to see everyone come out for an evening of music on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday night to hear the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Concert Choir and Chamber Choir,” says Gabriel.

Next week, it is the Middle School students’ turn with choirs performing on Wednesday, May 3rd and the bands taking the stage on Thursday, May 4th.

Our Fifth grade Music night is on Friday, May 5th starting at 5pm, and stay for our highlight event ArtsFest which begins at 6pm.