The 10th annual orchestra exchange concert between Kennedy Middle School and MVHS took place on Thursday, Feb. 27, filling the KMS auditorium with music and newfound bonds. The day before, MVHS’ Wind Ensemble performed alongside Kennedy Middle School’s Wind Symphony in the first of the two Kennedy exchange concerts at the MVHS auditorium.
The event showcased KMS’s String Orchestra first, directed by music teacher Stephanie Lounis. The group performed Elliot Del Borgo’s “Arlington Sketches” and Brian Balmages’ “Struggle in the Shadows,” a piece highlighting the emotional weight of bullying. The MVHS Chamber Orchestra, led by Instrumental Director John Gilchrist, followed with a rendition of Gustav Holst’s “St Paul’s Suite.” To conclude the show, both groups united for a performance of Soon Hee Newbold’s “Battle,” showcasing a blend of their talents.
The concert doubles as a bridge to MVHS’s orchestra program, as KMS eighth graders are finalizing their ninth grade elective choices. Lounis, who co-founded the tradition 10 years ago with former band director Ricky Algeira, sees it as a way to preview the spring repertoire while sparking interest among her students. After a hiatus during the pandemic, the event regained traction, with this year’s marking the second time a joint piece was included. Preparation started months earlier, with daily practice sessions facilitated by a KMS string coach focusing on technique, building from small segments to full compositions.
For Lounis, the real importance ultimately lies not only in the music they create, but in the students forming connections. She underscores the values behind these bonds as something cultivated by this concert each year.
“I saw a lot of my students talking with MVHS students and getting to know each other,” Lounis said. “And I think for them, that’s going to really help their transition to high school, so they’ll get to know some friendly faces before they go. They’re very excited and a lot of them tell me how much they’re looking forward to going to MVHS, and doing events like this makes me even more excited.”
