A SOund Sendoff
On May 20th, Barnum Hall was filled with music, memories and a meaningful last concert as the Samo band held their signature Pops concert, the concluding performance for the graduating seniors of 2025.
The concert featured a diverse and theatrical set of performances. Kicking off with the playful Simpsons theme that was transitioned into tracks from Mulan. The students snapped into formation with the discipline of a soldier when playing “I’ll Make a Man Out of You”. Transitioning into the ache of “Reflection”, came a sudden calm after the storm, the notes delicately danced in the air, like a pause for breath in a sequence of overwhelming action.
A Wicked symphony occurred shortly after, if “Reflection” was inward, “Defying Gravity” was exposing and defiant.. “Dancing Through Life” radiated calming charm and floated throughout the hall. The rhythm felt like it could settle into ones bones with ease, draped with a soothing elegance.
The Wind Ensemble performed a Pink Floyd and Doctor Who assortment, ending with melodies from King Arthur and Monty Python. When the orchestra performed “Money” by Pink Floyd brass and bass intertwined in perfectly executed chaos. As the final notes were played, the farewell looks on the band members faces luminated a sort of wistfulness. The applause that ensued marked the conclusion of an important chapter in their lives, with every clap seemingly paving a path away from Samo and towards their beginnings of adulthood. Shayna Kadish (‘25) shares her thoughts on their final concert.
“I’ve played over sixty concerts in Barnum Hall, and so that being my last one was very emotional. Being in band for four years, I’ve just devoted so much time to it” says flute player, Kadish (‘25).
Band member Suzu Toyotake (‘25) alludes that preparing for a final performance reigned stressful, but was still executed with grace and talent.
“We prepared very, very quickly. Between AP testing and our practice time being fourth period it was very awkward to fit prep in with morning and afternoon AP’s,” says Toyotake.
Band director Kevin Mckeown recognized the seniors by presenting medals to acknowledge all the hard work put in throughout the last four years. The audience, packed with family and friends, cheered on the soon-to-be graduates, honoring their immense commitment to the program; whether that is students joined midway through their high school career or have been in Band since freshman year, there is no doubt the performance displayed the dedication every student. As the seniors step off stage and into a new phase of their lives, the concert served as a reminder of how impactful music, tradition, and community is at Samo.