Returning to Rehearsals

The first few weeks at Lawrenceville have passed, bringing back a familiar rhythm of life for all. Over the past three weeks, many of us have reunited with friends, adjusted to the new class schedule, and gotten back to the playing field after a lengthy summer. In addition to returning to the groove of the social, academic, and athletic life of Lawrenceville, many students have kicked off the school year with the start of music ensemble rehearsals. 

For some, the start of rehearsals marks the beginning of something new. Celestine Sutter ’27, who plays guitar in the Jazz Lab Band, explained that she is “really excited [because] this is [the] first time [she] has been in an ensemble at all.” Although this is her first year, Sutter already feels that the rehearsals have been exciting, and she cannot wait to continue  playing in the band. She explained that she is glad she took this opportunity as it has brought her “out of [her] comfort zone.” 

As two of the School's largest ensembles, the Lawrenceville Philharmonic and Collegium Orchestras have also kicked off their rehearsals. Arisa Okamura ’25, a violinist and longtime member of both orchestras, also expressed her enthusiasm at rehearsals beginning as she hopes to connect further with both old and new members of the ensembles. Okamura described the pieces they have begun preparing as some of her personal favorites. These pieces, which include Gioacchino Rossini’s “Tancredi Overture” and Edvard Grieg’s “Holberg Suite,” are only some of the repertoire being prepared for the Winter Orchestra Concert.  Okamura explained that last year, she enjoyed the community she found in the orchestras because they  felt like “one big friend group.” As the orchestras have expanded since last year, Okamura hopes that rehearsals will be a place to develop new relationships and continue to forge a strong community.

The Lawrentians, another crucial part of Lawrenceville’s music scene, have also started preparing for another year of fantastic vocal music shows. A selective group of student vocalists, The Lawrentians perform at several events throughout the year, including Lessons and Carols, a memorable and candlelit Lawrenceville holiday tradition. Gloria Yu ’26 commented that she is particularly looking forward to the event, and The Lawrentians have already been hard at work. For Yu, the most interesting part of their repertoire is a song in German that they have been practicing. Yu described The Lawrentians rehearsals as the “highlight” of her busy day, as she finds singing and interacting with her peers a means of “catharsis.” Blair Bartlett ’27, who is new to The Lawrentians this year, also described her rehearsals so far as exciting and fostering a supportive atmosphere. While participating in The Lawrentians, she looks forward to “learning new songs and getting better at harmonies.” In the winter, all the ensembles, including the Jazz Bands, Orchestras, and Lawrentians, will showcase their talents at their respective concerts. All the hard work put in during rehearsals  will definitely make these showcases  worthy of attendance!