Karthik Ramakrishnan ’27
The Episcopal Academy’s Concert Choir continues to play a vital role in the school’s arts program, bringing together students from across grades to form a dynamic musical community. This year, choir presidents Alex Letts ’25 and Gardner Huston ’25 led the Concert Choir and Vocal Ensemble to a standout performance on December 10, 2024.
Under the guidance of Choir Director Jim Erwin, students have been challenged to expand their abilities through a diverse selection of pieces. “This year, the choir has been focused on their musicality and has been able to learn a variety of songs—both classical and modern,” Erwin said. “Pieces like ‘Psallite’ and ‘You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch really showcases the range and energy of what these students can do.”
For Fraser Wein ‘27, a member of both the Concert Choir and the auditioned Vocal Ensemble, singing provides a way to integrate her passion into the school day. “I love to sing. It’s always been one of my favorite things to do, and I’m glad that choir gives me an opportunity to work it into my school day,” she said. “I think having an education in music and being able to collaborate with other people are really important skills that you can use everywhere else.”
This spirit of teamwork is a defining feature of the program, as emphasized by Huston. “I think students should join the choir, especially if they’re looking for just a fun class to be in. Choir is a place where a lot of us can just kind of be,” she said. “You don’t have to be the best singer in the world. It’s a skill you get to learn, and you learn how to work as one. You have to work together with your voice part [either soprano, alto, tenor, or bass], and then your voice part has to work with the rest of the choir. Learning that collaboration and teamwork is really interesting.”
Letts agreed, highlighting the group’s encouraging atmosphere. “It’s just really fun. We all help and support each other,” he said. Letts also encouraged students to take the leap and try choir, even if they’re unsure about their singing abilities. “Just go for it. Who cares? You’re in high school, and you might find something that you’ll love and are really good at.”
The winter concert, which is one of the two performances of the year, reflected this sense of camaraderie and showcased the choir’s talents. The middle and upper school choirs came together to perform a medley of holiday selections alongside popular songs like “Fix You” by Coldplay and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Erwin praised the students’ dedication and enthusiasm: “We had great energy, and the audience really seemed to connect with the music.”
Huston echoed this sentiment, saying before the performance, “I’m excited for the show because it’s a chance for us to show off what we’ve been working on for the past semester and show everybody what the choir is capable of after we’ve been working so hard with Mr. Erwin and with ourselves in our own voice parts, to learn all the music that we have done this semester.” Letts also noted the strength of the upper school choirs, commenting, “We always, for whatever reason, perform really well, and this concert was no different.”
The Concert Choir and Vocal Ensemble are more than just about singing—they are about building a welcoming and inclusive environment. For students looking to explore their interest in music or try something new, choir offers a chance to learn, grow, and create lasting memories. As Erwin expressed, “Music brings people together in a way that nothing else can. Our choir has that spirit, and I am proud of what we have achieved this year.”
If you’re considering joining next year, you might just discover a passion you didn’t know you had—and find a group that makes you feel right at home.
Photo courtesy of @eachapel