by Eliza Visconsi’25
The Winter Music Showcase and Fundraiser saw tremendous success in its goal to bring the community together through music for a cause! On Monday, February 12, The St. Mark’s Classical Music Club kicked off this new school tradition, pairing it with a fund-raising bake sale stocked with pastries, boba and more. This lively event, though hosted by the Classical Music Club, welcomed performances from all genres, including classical, rock, pop, and jazz. The event featured traditional piano and violin, contemporary guitar covers, drum arrangements, solo pieces, and harmonious duets, this showcase truly had it all. Not only did this event host a plethora of talented student musicians, it also raised money for Save The Music, a foundation aiming to provide music resources and education to underprivileged communities, giving everyone the chance to pursue music. The money raised through the showcase’s accompanying bake sale was donated to this non-profit organization.
The showcase and bake sale captivated attendees by combining two essential aspects of the St. Mark’s student culture: creative expression and community service.
The acts spanned across forms, music backgrounds, instruments and genres, bringing St. Mark’s families, students and teachers together in celebrating the power of music and song. With the students’ passion for music on center stage, performers stepped into the spotlight, embraced the vulnerability of a live performance and shared meaningful art with the community. This well-rounded collection of student musicians displayed not only the talent of many St. Markers, but the strong support from both their peers and the school.
Anouk Shin, one of the co-heads of the Classical Music Club, explains that she and the other organizers had not anticipated such a large turnout, especially how they even ran out of chairs on the stage for all audience members. At the end of the day, people find common ground, connection and understanding in music. Through gatherings like this one, the school can continue to encourage student involvement in the arts.
Save The Music, the fundraiser’s charity, provides music education to those who don’t have access to it. At a school like St. Mark’s, we have the opportunity to use our resources for good. Raising money for a cause like this encourages student led service, and creates a culture of helping others. The combination of community service with creative expression empower students to wield their talents and passions. Overall, this showcase and bake sale event was a success in shining the spotlight on student musicians within the St. Mark’s community.
What can we expect from the St. Mark’s Classical Music Club in the future? According to the club leaders, they’ll be hosting events similar to this in the future. They’re planning on showcases and fundraisers each season. Stay tuned for more on St. Mark’s music news and events as Spring approaches!