A Night of Harmony: Music and Dance Revue Shines

By Ella Leven-Rivlin

Arts & Culture

The grade 11/12 vocal majors performing at the Music and Dance Revue.

Music and Dance Revue was a spectacular evening of artistry, where students showcased their hard work and creativity through inspiring collaborative performances. This annual event brought together music and dance, leaving the audience in awe of the students’ talents. 

For many students, the highlight of the Music and Dance Revue is the collaboration between two arts departments. As Ivy Li, a grade 11 violinist, shared: “This is probably the only concert where [music and dance collaborate], and there’s a lot going on... It’s very fun to see how everyone works together to create a work of art.” 

Mr. Alex Eddington, music teacher, emphasized the significance of these collaborations, stating, “Every year we find different ways to collaborate, a strings class and a dance class working together is something new happening this year.” This innovation creates a fresh experience for performers and audience members alike, blending movement and sound into a cohesive performance.

The evening featured many diverse pieces showcasing the versatility of Haig’s student performers. Ontario Pictures, performed by the senior band class, was a favourite of many. Eddington, its conductor, explained Ontario Pictures’ origins: “It’s by a Canadian composer named Howard Cable. The first movement, called Down from Thunder Bay, was inspired by the shipping industry, and you can hear the clang of ship bells reflected in the music. It’s just a really fun piece to conduct and play.” Isabella Di Cola, a grade 11 flautist, states: “It’s my favorite piece because of the several different moods reflected. It is sometimes really slow and thoughtful and sometimes really fast and exciting.”

The concert marked a significant milestone for younger performers as well. Annika Di Cola, a grade 9 saxophonist playing at her first Music and Dance Revue, expressed “It’s a very good learning opportunity for all of us... I [was] both excited and nervous.”

Priya Arora, a grade 11 vocal major, performed the lively and movement-filled El Grillo with the rest of the senior vocal class. She encouraged everyone to attend the showcase, saying, “You don’t have to be in the music program to enjoy listening to music, and you don’t have to dance to enjoy watching dance. It’s something that everyone can share.” 

The dancer’s ability to interpret the rhythm, mood, and emotions of each piece through visual storytelling left a lasting audience impact. Katarina Dreosto, a grade 11 dance major, emphasized the excitement of performing live: “Be ready for anything because live performances are always different. The audience will never see the exact same thing twice.”

Li described the months-long preparation process, saying, “Performers generally get their pieces in September when school starts, and that’s when we begin practicing. Around December, we start to arrange the performance order and coordinate all the equipment.” Music Council also plays a key role in ensuring the show runs smoothly, managing stage equipment and organizing performers.

Music and Dance Revue was more than a showcase of talent, it was a celebration of teamwork, creativity, and art’s power to bring people together. Di Cola perfectly described the event’s spirit: “It’s a great way for people to show what they’ve learned this semester and celebrate what they enjoy.”