Music, media and memories: spotlighting seniors in the arts

By Victor Kidwell

Isabel Pierce and Matthew Bloss-Baum are both members of Meridian’s theater program and the Chamber Singers Ensemble. “Theater at school is always something to look forward to at the end of the day,” Pierce said, who is committed to Connecticut College. “Morning choir is one of my favorite ways to start the day—it’s amazing to be able to wake up and sing” Bloss-Baum said. He will be attending Fordham College in the fall.

Abigail O’Regan, who’s committed to VCU, has been enrolled in art classes since her freshman year. “It’s a community of artists, and I’ve been able to meet so many different people with different art styles.”

Diwata Penaranda and Brielle Collins have been vital contributers to Meridian’s visual arts programs. “I found a family in choir and theater, and I’m so happy to find a place where people had similar interests,” Penaranda said. Collins echoed this, and said that art was a “creative outlet” for her. Collins is headed to Wellesley, and Penaranda to the University of Ottawa. (Photo by Victor Kidwell)

Brandon Werbel has played clarinet in the wind ensemble since his freshman year. “The biggest thing about this band is the sense of community and family. I have been working to keep that sense of camaraderie, and I really hope it continues after me.” Werbel is headed to UVA next year.

Hana Saldate has been playing flute in Meridian’s band since her freshman year and singing since her junior year. “My junior year, [band instructor] Ms. West asked me to sing in the Jazz Band. I was really nervous since I hadn’t sung in front of a crowd before, but it gave me the opportunity to feel comfortable to sing in front of an audience and grow as an artist.” Saldate will attend New York University next year. (photo courtesy of Isabella Baskins)

Daniel Fried participates in IB music and plays percussion for the wind ensemble. “Music and band is really nothing without the community,” Fried said. He will attend Rensselaer College in New York. (Photo by Carol Sly)

Virmani is an IB music student and a member of the Meridian Jazz Band. “Ms. West really encouraged me to grow my skills as a producer, especially through establishing the Music Tech Lab.” Virmani plans to study at John Hopkins University and continue producing music.

Felix Zywicki plays flute for the Meridian Wind Ensemble. “After my freshman year, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue playing with the band, but after COVID, I realized how lucky I really was.” (Photo by Carol Sly)