A Standing Ovation

Peter Kim

The Fine Arts Festival this year spanned a course of three days, starting with the elementary school on the first day, the middle school on the following day, and the high school on the last day. Every performance in the Fine Arts this year was exceptional, highlighting the abilities of the students in our school, culminating in this final event that tops the end of the year.

Held at PenangPAC, the Fine Arts Festival provided a time for artists, performers, singers, and musicians to exhibit a true display of skills. The art exhibition, in particular, most definitely emphasized the quirks, the uniqueness of every student’s artistic style. Tian Ooi (12) thoughtfully says, “I really enjoyed seeing everyone’s exhibits; it was really great to see every single piece being recognized for what they are.”

From middle school art pieces to Foundation, Advanced, Master Studio, and AP Art pieces, the variety of masterpieces that decorated the walls of the exhibition was a true feast for the eyes.

And, of course, for some students—especially seniors—this festival was their final performance. Richard Baek (12) wistfully reflects on his experience performing after giving a fantastic solo, saying, “I had a mixture of feelings—both happy and sad. I was happy that we finished our last Fine Arts Festival well; and I heard a lot of great comments on my solo and my other performances, but I felt really sad because this was my last Fine Arts in Dalat: I won’t be able to sing or perform with my friends anymore.”

Both the Men’s and Women’s Ensembles had gone far beyond their capabilities to grace the audience with their marvelous singing, finishing off their performances with a mischievous arrangement of the leitmotif of “Mission Impossible.”

The Concert Choir this year delivered a dulcet array of songs that once again amazed the crowd that evening. Shion Fraser (12) states, “I didn’t enjoy taking part in it—not in a bad way—mostly because of how nerve-wracking it was to perform. But honestly, everyone was really good.”

And indeed their singing never seems to falter in quality, seeing how each song could truly move the hearts of the audience with the intermingling of a beautiful menagerie of voices.

Jazz Ensemble had provided a lovely introduction to the later concert, setting the mood with its playfully catchy yet soulful tunes such as “Chameleon,” which certainly did capture the audience’s hearts. Concert Band certainly did stir the hearts of many this year, starting off with “The Legend of the Ida Glenn,” a nostalgic overture that certainly appealed to the seniors, who distinctly remember playing the exact piece during their middle school years.

Perhaps the greatest highlight of the Fine Arts was not only the display of the works of students, but also the teachers who have done much to prepare for this festival. And as the night drew to a close, the Dalat community lauded the efforts of everyone, the students who took part, as well as the honorable teachers and staff who made this festival possible with a standing ovation.