Haven’s band and orchestra ensembles presented their show titled “From Stage and Screen – The Finale” on May 14— a concert that was equal parts a musical celebration of the power of music and a farewell to the Class of 2025’s final ensembles.
The evening began with both Principal Andrew Benzing and band and orchestra director Mr. Nicholas Pignataro acknowledging the significance of the night, describing it as a finale in more ways than one.
“Each piece of music we’ve played either comes directly from a movie, opera, TV show, or had a famous event happen on a stage in the United States,” Pignataro said. “And it also tied in well with the finale of our school year, and for a lot of seniors, it’s the finale of their stage career at the high school.”
The concert featured works that were connected with historical events or iconic stage productions, taking the audience on a musical journey through time.
“We regularly watch and hear people at their very best giving these performances, and they are memorable for how emotional and moving they can be,” Pignataro said.
A standout moment during the concert was the collaboration between the high school and middle school orchestras.
Students from the middle school orchestra joined the high school string orchestra for a performance of “Barés Basile Galop,” a piece that blended the skill of students from all grade levels.
Another highlight was the Tri-M Music Honor Society induction. The inductees were presented halfway through the night. This society recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in music and contribute to their community.
“It’s like NHS for band kids. You volunteer, you play in ensembles, and you help out,” sophomore Elsie Staley-Bischoff said.
The Tri-M members play a vital role in supporting the music program, helping with tasks like organizing folders, cleaning the practice rooms, and assisting with concerts.
Throughout the night, the auditorium was filled with energy as Pignataro conducted the ensembles with excitement and passion. His energetic conducting style, full of jumps and dances, revealed how much he cares about the students and the music.
“It genuinely gives me life when students show up to practice,” Pignataro said.
One emotional moment occurred when the seniors conducted their annual senior prank, where the drum majors of the 2024 marching band season had the audience guess whether certain stories about Pignataro were true or false.
“The senior prank was really nice and I know some of the stories were really sweet,” Staley-Bischoff said. “Some of them really reminded me of Mr. P—even the ones that were false.”
For many of the seniors, including senior Wendy Chen, a co-concert master for this performance, this concert marked the end of their high school music careers.
“I’m excited to explore music in college, but I’m also sad that it’s over,” Chen said. “This concert was good. Shostakovich was one of the most fun pieces I’ve played in orchestra.”
Even for those who will continue to play in the high school ensembles in future years, the Spring concert marked the final time playing music all together with the members of this year’s ensembles.
“It’s the last time this exact group will ever play together. That’s what made it really special,” Chen said.
The concert was a mix of fun traditions and strong performances all wrapped into one finale evening.
“They’re my favorite nights. The concerts are the best times. I wish we could do it as much as possible,” Pignataro said.
