Two-Night Music Gala Ahead of KBB

In the week leading up to the annual KBB Music Festival, Elliot Hall was brimming with the depth and breadth of musical talent at the College. Over two gala evenings, a vast array of groups performed for their fellow student body and families, refining their performance quality before the competition.

The first night opened with Yoshi’s Jazz Combo, setting a vibrant tone that carried through performances from the Junior Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra, and Big Band. The Symphony Orchestra and Servanda Strings provided a classical contrast, with featured solos by Peter Hu, Middle School winner of the Solo Music Competition, and Senior winner Lawrence Liu, whose expressive saxophone playing was a highlight of the evening.

The second night kept the momentum strong with performances from the Village Vanguard Jazz Combo, Goodfellas Quartet, Macfarlan Strings, Chamber Orchestra, Sinfonia, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band. Among the evening’s many memorable moments, Senior Solo Music Competition winner Isaac Chang delivered a standout piano performance that drew warm applause from the audience.

Across both evenings, the energy of the jazz and concert band ensembles and the richness of the orchestral and chamber groups demonstrated the skill, passion, and discipline of the College’s young musicians. These gala nights not only offered a fitting prelude to the KBB Festival but also underscored music’s unique ability to gather community, making it such an integral part of College life.