As the Fall semester winds down, many PSOA students have the opportunity to display their talents in public settings. For student musicians, this comes in the form of a whirlwind of concerts spanning nearly every evening during the final stretch of the semester.
With the stress of finals in full swing, now is a time for music students at the Peck School to come together and support one another, reminding themselves and their peers that music has the power to uplift, inspire and foster strong communal relationships.
Concert Chorale member Diego Duarte, a senior double majoring in music and business, is looking forward to the piece “America Will Be” during the ensemble’s December 7th concert because of its theme of unity during difficult times.
“The different languages, rhythms, time signatures, and voices in the performance highlight the diversity that we not only honor through this song but also celebrate on an everyday basis,” said Duarte.
In addition to the songs selected, ensembles support an encouraging environment in rehearsal. Duarte expressed the positive atmosphere that PSOA Choirs create ahead of a major performance, consciously keeping practice sessions enjoyable.
“At the beginning of each rehearsal, we always do vocal warm-ups,” said Duarte. “However, these warm-ups feel different to traditional warm-ups because we always prioritize making them fun, engaging, and effective.”
Nearing the end of the fall semester, some students may struggle to balance excitement and stress. To help with this, the music department strives to foster a strong community to keep students passionate about their upcoming performances.
Cellist Rayden Vaughan Montes, also a senior, takes it upon himself to encourage fellow musicians in the Symphony Orchestra during the final moments before an end-of-semester performance.
“My main goal is to keep the energy positive and flowing,” said Montes. “The nerves before a performance can swallow people up while others embrace it and harness it on stage. Maintaining a positive and supportive attitude is key to any performance.”
From “Still I Rise” performed by Alta Voce to “Life is a Highway” performed by the Popular Music Ensemble, world premieres of new works composed by UWM students, and a whole lot more, audiences and performers alike have plenty to enjoy. Explore the busy music performance schedule by visiting the PSOA Events Calendar.
Story by Jason McCullum ’25