Ravens Shining on Stage | News | Portsmouth Abbey School, Rhode Island

First Annual Collage Concert

On April 21, a student-led concert performed on the Abbey stage showcased not only musical talent but also the dedication, leadership and collaboration of the students who brought it to life. Entirely conceived and performed by students, the first annual Collage Concert featured a rich and dynamic program that included orchestra, choir and musicians from beyond the Abbey music program. The result was an evening that felt both ambitious and deeply personal, a true reflection of student initiative and creativity. 

What made the concert especially unique was how it reflected not only students’ musical abilities, but also their personal interests. Many performers selected pieces that held meaning for them, such as personal favorite songs that allowed them to connect more deeply with the music. This added an extra layer of authenticity to the performance, as each selection offered a glimpse into the student’s tastes and inspirations. 

Preparation for the concert was extensive. Students first underwent an audition process to determine placement within the ensemble, ensuring that each performer was both challenged and supported. From there, weeks of independent practice followed. Musicians took responsibility for refining their parts in their own time, balancing rehearsals with academic and extracurricular commitments. This level of individual accountability was essential, as it allowed the group to make the most of their limited time together. 

The final stage of tech rehearsals brought all the elements together – instrumentalists, vocalists and technical components such as staging and acoustics. While practicing each piece is intrinsic to the Collage Concert’s process, threading the act setlist together is critical for building a cohesive experience, allowing featured instruments such as the flute, the harmonica, and the contrabass to share center stage. It was here that the separate pieces began to form a cohesive whole, as students fine-tuned the details that would shape the audience’s experience. 

The concert night itself was a testament to their hard work. Audience members were captivated by the diverse music selection, spanning from Fleetwood Mac to Green Day, and happily surprised by the creative staging of music acts. One moment, you were sitting forward towards the stage, the next you were looking behind you to find a whole act staged in the back, creating a delightful immersive experience. The combination of orchestral depth, choral harmony and the added dimension of guest musicians created a vibrant and engaging performance. More importantly, the concert stood as a clear example of what students can accomplish when given both responsibility and creative freedom. 

This was, at its core, a concert for students created by students. Beyond the music, it demonstrated the value of initiative, discipline and collaboration, Raven qualities that extend far beyond the stage. 

Left: Billy Jin '26 on guitar and JJ Servidea '27 on the harmonica performing "The Girl From Ipanema."