Sahana Bhat

Held on the last day of April, the Upper School Spring Music Concert was an incredible presentation by the talented and dedicated RCDS musicians across ensembles. The program featured performances from Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, String Orchestra, Honors Choir, WildScats, and Concert Choir. 

The annual tradition marked the final spring concert led by Band Director John Hager and Assistant Band Director John Ragusa. The standing ovation by the audience honored their distinguished careers and acknowledged their deep contribution to the arts at RCDS. 

Mr. Hager credited the performers with exceeding his high expectations by “playing with wonderful musicality, dynamics and expression.” He especially commended wJazz Band for their outstanding performance and solos. Reflecting on his RCDS journey, Mr. Hager shared pride in the commitment, dedication, and countless examples of musical growth shown by RCDS students. He added that he has been heartened and inspired the most by their characters.

Reflecting on his time at RCDS, Mr. Ragusa shared, “It has been an honor working with the conscientious, sincere, and kind Upper School band members.” While he will miss his colleagues and students dearly, Mr. Ragusa added that he hopes to see Upper School musicians find opportunities to mentor Middle School music students at RCDS and share their positive attitude, skill, and maturity. 

Xindi Liu ‘26, a member of the US Concert Band and Jazz Band, had a “super fun” time playing the band pieces on the clarinet in her final RCDS Spring Concert. She also loved watching the WildScats sing a song that she danced to in her Cedar Street Concert, a showcase that presents pieces from the Cedar Street Dance Company at RCDS. Liu recalls that her favorite part of the RCDS music program was playing an improvised solo in jazz in the Winter Concert. 

A final bow from Band Director John Hager drew the impressive showcase to an end with thunderous applause offering tribute to exemplary directors and musicians of the RCDS community.