On May 6, the Salisbury High School Spring Concert opened with the jazz band performing “Celebration” with arrangement by Victor Lopez as a tribute to celebrating the seniors’ last high school performance as well as for Music Director Rachel Reinecke who will be retiring after 33 years in education. The members of the jazz band and chorus were joined by alumni who performed throughout the concert.

Performances included American folk songs, traditional spirituals, and songs from the 1970s, including “Moondance” by Van Morrison arranged by Victor Lopez and “Oye Como Va” by Tito Puente and arranged by Paul Murtha. It was noted Carlos Santana used this song to “interconnect Latin music in the United States.”

For “Echoes of Yesterday” by the SHS Chorus, Reinecke joined by playing the flute. The chorus sang a cappella “A Beautiful Noise” arranged by Audrey Snyder.

The recognizable tune “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” arranged by Rick Stitzel from the “Toy Story” movie, was performed by the jazz band. Over 70 members of the community chorus, composed of alumni, joined the chorus and jazz band members for several numbers including “In the Dark of Midnight” and “Riversong,” both by Andy Beck.

Reinecke thanked the families for allowing her to work with their children sharing a love for music. Reinecke referenced “Mr. Holland’s Opus” which is a film inspired by a true story of a musician who becomes a high school teacher. The theme focuses on the positive influences music education can have for students. “These students and the music they make are my professional joy. They are my final Opus,” Reinecke said.

Reineke said these seniors were the first to experience a school shutdown due to COVID-19 and returned to sing with masks. “They remained,” she said. “They stayed and were steadfast. They are the change they want to see in this world.”

Reinecke read quotes of encouragement to the students provided by the classes of alumni beginning with the Class of 2012 and ending with the Class of 2025. She told the seniors “you will be with me like a handprint on my heart.”

Students Faith Spellacy and Ashlynn Leonard sang “For Good” from “Wicked” with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. This song was dedicated to the seniors and the young women expressed much emotion singing verses such as “Because of you, I have changed for the better,” noting the impact their musical journeys have had on all of them.

The community chorus joined the stage for the last number, “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay’s Guy Berryman, Jon Buckland, Will Champion and Chris Martin and arranged by Mark Brymer.

Social Studies teacher and community chorus member Tanya Kennedy told the audience “there is no way this world could be smaller because of this woman (referring to Reinecke). She (Reinecke) gives students a place to find friends and comfort. She uses music as a place for us to be who we are. It is because of Rachel (Reinecke) that we have this.”

A reception followed to celebrate the seniors. A wall of fame provided photos and information on the graduating seniors. An alumni table exhibited pictures of the band and chorus throughout the years.

Alumni were invited to explore the ramp to the band room to find their quotes from their senior songs displayed in the music hallway.

Alumni are encouraged to join the Salisbury High School Band and Chorus Facebook page that reflects the years of 2008-2025 to stay connected to the music program.