By Kelly Yang ‘23
During the quarantine time, even technological barriers and time zone differences did not stop St.Markers from getting together virtually and enjoying music. This window, St.Mark’s musicians had made great progress through virtual meetings and YouTube platforms.
Mr.Wallace, the choir director, is currently working on several pieces with the choir. These repertoires came from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, and are composed using different languages. Stanford's "Beati Quorum” is a serene piece, and one of the three Latin Motets. As a member of the choir, I love the polyphonic texture and the soprano line of this piece- they are the most soothing euphony during the quarantine. Besides this piece, the choir also touches on other pieces including Darke's "Let all mortal flesh," Tin's "Baba Yetu," and the Zulu folk song "Jabula Jesu." This year, eventhough the choir members can not get together and perform in the echoing hall, Mr. Wallace found an alternative way to gather us together as a choir. He introduced us to an online recording studio that can edit all our voices together.
Not only choir members are trying their best and make music together.Waverly Shi 21’, a V Form violinist, is currently working on a Youtube Channel she created entitled "Journey Through Music". “The youth orchestra I am in called BYSO recently made a video of its members playing ‘Ode to Joy’. This was a wonderful way to make music together. From the video, as Beethoven said, ‘I wish you music to help with the burdens of life, and to help you release your happiness to others,’” says Waverly, “Through this playlist, I hope that more people can appreciate music in all different forms and genres and understand its many benefits”. Waverly Shi is also looking for other musicians at St.Mark’s to join.
Mr. Wallace also expressed his personal feeling during this pandemic, "the joy of making music in ensembles is about 50 percent music-making and 50 percent camaraderie and creative collaboration. After all, the chorus literally means 'together'. 'Symphony' means harmony or concord—sounds blending together. Removing the 'togetherness' may seem at first to be not very satisfying, but individual preparation will put us in good stead for the future."
The school year is heading to the end. Let’s look forward to another fruitful academic year and reunion on campus!
