On Thursday, March 21st, the annual MAX Mid-Year Concert was held in Xaverian’s Performing Arts Center. 

The Mid-Year Concert featured ensembles from both beginning groups and the most advanced groups—as Mr. Loposky dubbed it the “Alpha and Omega” of the MAX Program—making it unique from the other two MAX concerts. It showcases the students' talents in various instruments at different playing levels. 

The ensembles that performed included the Clarinet Quartet, Saxophone Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Mozart Chamber Ensemble, Tchaikovsky Chamber Ensemble, Beginner Harp Ensemble, Symphonic Orchestra, Beginner Guitar Ensemble, and Symphonic Band. 

Some of the highlights included the Beginner Harp and Flute Ensemble’s performance of Ashokan Farewell by Jay Ungar. The Trumpet Ensemble also performed the memorable Triumphal March from the Italian opera “Aida.” The Clarinet Quartet performed the memorable Highlights from PIXAR’s Up.

“I think that they had a solid performance,” said Mr. Pasipanki, Director of the Guitar Program, when asked about the Beginner Guitar Ensemble. “It was good for them to be in the environment, how the concert was, you know, being super high-level groups and beginner groups; I think it elevated their performance a little bit.” 

Although the Mid-Year Concert is quite short compared to the other two MAX concerts, lasting only an hour and a half, each group proudly exhibited Xaverian’s young musical talents. It was a great way to watch students thrive and see how far they’ve come in their musical education.

As Principal Sharib stated in his opening remarks, the MAX students have “performed for popes, performed at the White House, performed at the National Gallery of Art, they have performed everywhere you can possibly think of, but the best place they perform is right here at home for us.”

If you are looking to join the groups mentioned, Mr. Loposky’s door is always open to any Xaverian student, regardless of musical experience or background. Students in the MAX Program put in countless hours of hard work and practice to achieve their sound. 

This year’s show was a great accomplishment, and we are proud of all our MAX students. The effort and passion for music that they continue to display are unmatched. Congratulations to all who were involved in making the night such a success. We can’t wait to see what next year's concert brings!