The Gryphon Gazette

By Mia S 28′

Every year at the end of February, upper and middle school Crystal musicians look forward to performing at Music in the Mansion. The stage, typically set up on the first floor of the ballroom, sets a beautiful scene. The stunning architectural styles of the Neo-Classical Renaissance Palazzo and Beaux-art are not only attractive to the eye, but have amazing acoustics and make the Mansion the perfect venue for Crystal’s most competitive and finest musical performance. 

This year, things looked a little different; with the mansion under construction, the Fine Arts team pivoted, and Crystal held Music in the Cafe. Despite the change of location, the show was no short of amazing as students from grades 6-12 showcased their musical talent. This set of performers was truly diverse in genres and songs, from Beethoven to Olivia Rodrigo and Funkadelic. Middle School Music Theory and Upper School Madrigals teacher Ms. Lucca Troutman described the concert as “an eclectic mix of sounds from all different types of performers.” 

The finest of Crystal’s musical arts were on display and put together brilliant pieces, starting with “Concertino for Flute and Piano, op. 107” performed by senior Reina K. on piano, and junior Allison O. on flute. The two played lovely melodies of Cécile Chaminade’s piece, which set the tone for an exciting show. 

Next, sophomore Ava C. sang “James” by Laufey, accompanied by senior Maria P-M on piano. The jazz-pop piano paired perfectly with beautiful vocals and funny lyrics, which brought smiles and laughter to the audience. 

Following that, junior Caroline C. displayed her impressive piano skills playing Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata no. 14 in C# minor, op. 27, no 2.” This was a highly difficult, fast-paced song that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. 

Reina K. and 8th grader Alyssa L. took the stage next to play Fritz Kreisler’s “Liebesfreud”, with playful melodies and beautiful harmony of the violin and piano.

Juniors Grace C., Sophie F., and Amanda H. to sing Olivia Rodrigo’s “Favorite Crime”. The three of their vocals were sensational in a heartfelt rendition of the hit song. 

Sophomore Sean Z. played a brilliant piano piece, “Fantaisie-Impromptu in C#minor, op. 66,” which was a lively and quite impressive performance with strong stage presence, catching the audience’s attention. 

The Freshmen band “Out of the Blues” performed Roy Hargrove’s Strasbourg/St. Denis. The sextet of Neel M. on tuba, Tarun P. on drums, Justin R. on bass, Nathan S. on alto saxophone, Luciano V. on trumpet, and Owen Z. on piano came together to play the fun ubpeat piece filled with outstanding solos.

Crystal’s one and only bagpiper took the stage next: junior Chloe B. put on an astonishing performance, “Part of the 2026 Prince Charles Pipe Band Medley”.

During the intermission, a 6-foot-tall golden harp was rolled onto the stage, where Sophie F. returned to the stage to play “Harpicide at Midnight”, a lovely song with eerie and mystical chords that the harpist executed perfectly. 

8th grader, Emily C. played “Clair de Lune”, a timeless piece that any classical music lover or avid reels watcher would immediately recognize. She flawlessly performed the classic piece by Claude Debussy. 

Then came the second Olivia Rodrigo song of the night, as freshmen Shira V-M and Stephanie W. performed “Driver’s License”. Shira’s vocals paired nicely with Stephanie’s piano, bringing a deep and heartfelt familiar favorite to the stage. 

Next, sophomore Kiana P. played the beautiful “Passacaglia” by George Frideric Handel with grace and soothing sounds. 

8th grader Ryan Z. followed, performing “The Seasons, op 37a” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Then came the grooviest group in Crystal Springs Uplands School, Mezcalido, composed of sophomores Erik H. on guitar, Kenan G. on keyboard, Julian S. on drums, and Eli C. on bass (the fifth member, Andy Y. on guitar, could not make it). They showed up in their most flamboyant garments and left it all on the stage, performing Funkadelic’s “Hit it and Quit it” in a smooth transitioning mashup with The Parliament’s “Give Up The Funk”. This was by far an audience favorite, bringing joy, funk, groove, and smiles to the cafe. 

Seniors Charlize A. on violin, Cora R. on flute, and Reina K. on piano played an amazing rendition of “Petite Suite”. Reina arranged Claude Debussy’s piece herself for violin and flute, creating a brilliant piece for the trio, which they performed flawlessly. 

Freshman Mira M. sang her original piece “Freeze” alongside Stephanie W. on piano. Mira showcased her amazing vocals and creative songwriting in this heartfelt pop ballad. The song is set to release soon along with an EP, so be sure to support our fellow Crystal student and stream her music!

To close the show, Reina K. performed her fourth song of the night with a showstopping piece of “Fantasie in C Major, op. 17”. It was a brilliant way to end the concert, and it really was the cherry on top of an amazing night of music. 

The night was filled with so many amazing pieces of music and performances, which brought so much joy and excitement to the audience. Although the music was not in the mansion this year, it will be in a newly renovated one next year, and with all of the talent showcased this year, I’d be sure to save the date for next year. 

Pictured above, Erik H. 28’ member of Mezcalido Band