Collaboration Is “Key” In Upper School Concert Band

Students playing string instruments at band concert

It’s been a busy spring for our musical Turkeys! Our Upper School Concert Band performed with heart and soul during its recent competitions and concerts across the state.

In fact, three Upper School Students participated in the All-State Band and Orchestra this month at the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center in Nashville. Christina Moon ’27, Kim Huang ’25, and Ella Curlin ’24 each auditioned against hundreds of other students across Tennessee and placed as some of the best players in the state. Together, the students performed concerts conducted by top clinicians from all over the country.

These students make their musical artistry look easy, but honing such talent takes years of practice and collaboration. Middle and Upper School Band Director Nathan McHenry shared that the girls must work collectively to have this kind of success. “When the girls start band in 6th grade, they can try any instrument they like. From there, I help them narrow their focus based on their interest and skill,” he said.

“While I am proficient in piano, trombone, and percussion, there are so many other instruments. There is a lot of student leadership in our band. Often, the best players in each section act as the leaders, helping along the other musicians.”

To keep students engaged, Mr. McHenry makes sure the girls are invested in the music they are performing, selecting concert songs that are engaging and culturally relevant.

“During our Spring Concert, we played a nice mix of some older pieces they felt confident about, as well as compositions the students requested, such as Star Wars,” said Mr. McHenry. “This year, our concert fell during Ramadan, so we performed a song that had Muslim ties as a way of honoring this holiday.”

During his five years of teaching at St. Mary’s, Mr. McHenry says that, while the performances and competitions are fun, the most rewarding part of his job is seeing his students develop a lifelong love for musical instruments and being confident in their abilities to perform.

“My goal is for the students to leave St. Mary’s feeling like they could be a part of any musical ensemble,” said Mr. McHenry. “It doesn’t have to be something formal or professional–if they want to play in a band or perform music in church, I want them to feel like they could jump right in.”

  • Upper School

Additional Images

Ella Curlin ’24

Christina Moon ’27

Kim Huang ’25