Middle school musicians stepped into the spotlight for the first time this year with “informances,” informal performances designed to educate the audience about the creative process behind the music. Students, parents, faculty, and staff were invited to hear work from the Chamber Orchestra and Beginning Strings groups on Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18, in the Performing Arts Center.

Unlike traditional performances, informances feature an open rehearsal approach. The King musicians offered audience members a peek behind the scenes, showcasing how they developed and refined their pieces. Music teacher and conductor Colin Benn discussed the rehearsal process firsthand with the audience, detailing how music sections are deconstructed, polished, and pieced back together. Additionally, the audience gained insight into the background of each piece and the reasons it was selected.

“The first time I attended an open rehearsal was at the Boston Symphony Orchestra as a kid,” recalled Benn, discussing the inspiration for the program. “I always found it fascinating to see the piece broken into smaller sections and then put back together. “

Music courses are a required part of the middle school curriculum at King School, offering students a choice between band, choir, and strings. While some students bring prior musical experience, for many, Grade 6 marks their first encounter with an instrument. Meeting four times a week, these students work diligently towards the performance, with these informal performances serving as a culmination of their first semester's work. 

In addition to strengthening their technical ability, the groups gained valuable stage experience, which will help them as they prepare new works for the Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 10.