On Tuesday, Feb. 10, Harlem’s gymnasium filled with hundreds of community members, from the floor to the balcony, but not for a sporting event. The strong population of the night is credited to Harlem’s annual Kaleidoscope concert, where choirs and bands in the district, all gathered to perform, from the Elementary level, to the High School level.
Over the course of the night, fourteen different ensembles perform one piece each, ranging in a wide variety of experience, genres, and techniques. The performances of the various ensembles makes the concert a unique event that takes considerable time and coordination, yet ultimately leads to a strong result.
Harlem High School’s choir director, Mr. Jeremy Toledo directed a handful of the choirs that performed, where he has a unique opportunity to view how the event brings the community together.
“The concert uses the joy of music and performance to unite our students and their families. The families of the High School students attend the event yearly and watch their child grow up in the program,” Toledo said, “The new families that attend see what the future looks like for their child and get a glimpse of what our program has to offer them as they grow in our district.”
Not only does the Kaleidoscope Concert bring the Harlem music community together, but it allows for the student musicians within it to see themselves develop throughout time. Band director, Mr. Timothy Perian finds this aspect to be one of the most significant parts of the concert.
Perian said, “I enjoy seeing the bands and choirs from beginning to the most advanced high school ensembles and hearing the growth that is possible for students throughout their years of study.”
Through this unique concert experience, students do not only grow in their musical talents, but they cultivate and harness their culture and leadership through it.
“They love performing for their peers and also celebrating their peers’ successes. Each performance helps to create a culture of inclusion and leadership. As the students grow, they understand that their roles change into leaders,” said Toledo.
Along with the music instructors, the student musicians see and reflect on the progression of the various levels and ages over the years, too. Senior band member, Laeyla Carter considers this aspect one of the best parts of the event.
“My favorite part honestly is listening to the elementary bands and choirs. Watching and listening to them reminds me of when I was in elementary school and when I found my love for music,” said Carter, “I love seeing younger children find their love and passion for music, too.”
Another significant part of the Kaleidoscope Concert is that the recipients of the year’s Harlem Music Booster Scholarships are named. This year the winners that were named were Gabriel Coletta (12) and Laeyla Carter (12).
“I was shocked and honored. It really made me reflect on my journey to this point as a senior in high school and how far I’ve come from where I first started my music career,” said Carter.
When putting all of the pieces together, from the performances, to the awards, and everything in between, the concert makes for a well rounded event within the Harlem community. Directors, musicians, friends, and families are all brought together for this one performance that stands apart from the rest.
“The concert uses the joy of music and performance to unite our students and their families,” said Toledo. “The concert brings our community together and helps us to inspire the younger students in our district to continue in music throughout their educational careers.”
Whether inspiring, reflecting, or bringing people together, Harlem’s annual Kaleidoscope Concert brings a sense of unity and accomplishment to the Harlem community. The population and variety of the night isn’t the only grand aspect of the night, but the lasting impact it has on all ages and collectives, too.
