On Friday, May 23, Poly’s Vocal Ensemble performed 22 songs during Upper School Vocal Night in Garland Theater. Students across all grades sang solos, duets and group numbers during the year’s final performance.

Directed by Middle and Upper School Performing Arts Teacher Eric Lifland, who also accompanied singers on the piano, the evening showcased the ensemble’s talent and camaraderie. “The Vocal Ensemble’s membership and their commitment has been wonderful and consistent throughout the whole year. Like usual, the students delivered beautiful and heartfelt performances,” Lifland shared.

Planning the event came with challenges. “There is always a ton of music both for the students and myself to practice,” Lifland noted. “You always wish you had a little more time.” Still, he found the results rewarding. “It was particularly nice to see several students choose songs that stretched them outside their comfort zone.”

With the show’s spotlight on the seniors, the twelfth graders chose songs that reflected their personal tastes. Vocal Ensemble Presidents Emily Yoong and Aliya Zhou sang the nostalgic Disney classic “Part of Your World.” Zhou later performed her original composition “Let My Tune Take Me Away.” Additionally, seniors Hampton Persaud and Simon Zernicki-Glover brought high-energy and humor with the number “Seventeen” from the musical “Heathers,” while senior Matthew Bristing delivered a standout performance of “The Music of the Night” from “The Phantom of the Opera.”

“I realized how central the seniors are to the Vocal Ensemble” said sophomore Anara Williams, “It was a very inspiring and emotional night.”