Musicians file onto the stage with instruments from saxophones to bass guitars to cowbells. However, what catches the audience’s attention is that the students are dressed in their comfiest clothing: fluffy pajama pants, random t-shirts, and even stuffed animals and eye masks.
The Music Collective’s Spring Concert took place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, April 9-10, in the Roberts-Dubbs Auditorium. The performance marked one of the last concerts for the soon-to-be graduating class of 2026.
Music Collective, also known as the Jazz Band, is an auditions-only group that dedicates itself to preparing for jazz repertoires and performing at festivals and concerts year-round. 14 musicians, including pianists, guitarists, trumpeters, trombonists and more, collaborated to arrange and perform a total of nine songs.
Although the Spring Concert isn’t Music Collective’s last show of the year, they chose to honor their graduating seniors during the concert with a speech from their teacher, songs beautifully arranged by seniors, and even a senior surprise song.
Their first song of the night was “Rocks in My Bed” by Duke Ellington. Their singer, senior Ingrid Aumiller, set the tone with vocals that echoed throughout the auditorium.
After, they performed “America” by Leonard Bernstein, arranged by senior Claude Carrick, which brought a surge of energy to the musicians and audience. The song was accompanied by more niche instruments, including cowbells and a guiro. The excitement and joy from the seniors was contagious, as they stepped and swayed with the beat of the drums played by sophomore Peter Clark.
Next was “Dear Old Stockholm” by Miles Davis, which was played as a smaller ensemble piece that was arranged by seniors Amelia Baraona Barros and Ethan Bracha, and sophomores Peter Clark and Edlin Laho.
Their fourth song, “Four” by Miles Davis, included a twist and was arranged by seniors Zac Roffman, Ingrid Aumiller, Gabriel Knowles, and Rose Dela Paz, along with junior Arik Smith and sophomore Benji McGinnis. Audience members encouraged the musicians, clapping and snapping along to the song.
The song was followed by a speech from Band Director Carolyn Castellano. The teacher playfully roasted the seniors while also showering them with praise for their skills as musicians and emphasizing her pride in their accomplishments.
“I hope that the students in this ensemble set goals for themselves, and I’m happy that they got to grow musically and also as human beings,” Castellano said.
This bittersweet, yet inspiring speech was followed by the seniors’ surprise song: “East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)” by Diana Krall. Castellano joined the seniors on the trumpet.
Their fifth song was “C/Saw” by Julius Hemphill. The song featured harmonious classical piano and keyboard solos that alternated with guitar solos. All together, the song highlighted the talents of the saxophone players.
“Honky Cat” by Elton John was specially arranged by senior Amelia Baraona Barros, and before its performance, she gave a small speech about why she chose it. She described it as an “upbeat song” and a “good experience.”
The Collective’s seventh and final song of the night was “Shade of Jade” by Joe Hendershon, arranged by senior Gabriel Knowles. The song featured everyone and was well-organized. There were soloists from the piano, guitars, saxophone and trumpet: a perfect way to cap off the night.
Overall, the concert highlights the dedication that the Music Collective puts towards their performances and was an incredible way to showcase the seniors in their final weeks at Brookline High School. According to Clark, the Music Collective group deserves its flowers and has high hopes for the future.
“I hope people receive the joy that we put into the music,” Clark said. “I hope that more people will get involved and more people realize how special it is, and I hope people will continue to find it special in the first place.”
