PRACTICE MADE PERFECT

SENIOR CLAIRE ROBERTSON SHARES HER TALENTS PLAYING THE CELLO WITH THE COMMUNITY

story and photos by Devyn Hubbs ‘23

Amid an active and booming city, the Cathedral Basilica in Denver holds a certain peace and beauty that is only enhanced by the low hum of a bow on a string as senior Claire Robertson warms up her cello. She prepares for the annual tradition at the Cathedral: Regis Jesuit’s Fall Orchestra Concert. Her hand pulls, and a minor chord strikes tension throughout the guests settling in their seats, but with one swift movement, it is resolved into a beautiful ring throughout the Cathedral.

Robertson has been playing the cello for seven years, and it has become essential to who she is.

“It brings a lot of joy into my life and I feel like it really puts me in touch with the gifts that God has given me.”

From a very young age, Robertson always knew she wanted to play an instrument. At an orchestra event in middle school, students were allowed to try out different instruments to find their favorite. Robertson immediately fell in love with and decided that the cello was “the most beautiful instrument ever.”

Growing up learning through her middle school orchestra classes and private lessons, Robertson is now Principal Cellist in the Regis Jesuit Orchestra and is an active participant in the pit band, Musicians at Mass, and a separate student orchestra through her private lessons. Her most notable achievements from her hard work includes her selection for three years of Continental League, the Regis Pit Band award, the Regis Music Department award in 2021, 2020 All-state orchestra, and her recent selection for the 2023 Colorado All-State Orchestra.

Robertson’s advice for anyone interested in getting involved with music on any level is to not strive for perfection but rather do it for its beauty. “I’ve been really focused on not playing it perfectly or pleasing other people, but just playing it because it is beautiful and brings joy,” Robertson says. “Don’t do it to be perfect or to be the best; just do it to make something beautiful and enjoy it.”

Claire Robertson posing with her cello in front of the altar at The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. “It is so beautiful, and the sound of the orchestra fills it so beautifully,” Robertson said.

CAROLING THROUGH THE HOLIDAY SEASON

THE CANTABELLES AND VOX LUCIS PERFORM CHRISTMAS CLASSICS AT AVE MARIA CATHOLIC CHURCH

by Molly Nichols ‘23

The beautiful music that fills the Regis Jesuit Steele Center everyday are the voices of both the All-Women’s Honor Choir, the Cantabelles, and the All-Men’s Honor Choir, Vox Lucis. Both have been led by Mr. Bernie Sauer ‘97 for the past two years, and have begun to collaborate for performances more often. While the groups are known for providing the beautiful music for mass services, or the joyful caroling they perform for several classrooms during the holiday season, they are heard throughout the wider community as well.

Performing a few weeks ago in the Ave Maria Catholic Church, both the Cantabelles and Vox Lucis sang a variety of different holiday hymnal songs, including Silent Night and Christmas Lullaby arranged by Mr. Bernie Sauer himself.

Claire Mann ‘23, CoPresident of this year’s Cantabelles choir, thinks this is the beginning of beautiful collaborations between the two groups. The concert at Ave Maria was only enhanced by the churchgoers themselves. “It was really inspiring and lovely to see all of the members of the church gathering together to hear our songs,” Mann said.

The two choirs have performed together in the past, but as a collective group, this year has been absolutely amazing,” said Mann. “I believe that we are a very strong and supportive community, which only adds to our connection through song.”

While this experience was the right way to get everyone in the holiday spirit, the Cantabelles and Vox Lucis have many more performances planned to reach the community through their upcoming events, like their annual Christmas concert and their holiday caroling coming soon.

photo by Jack Bentfield ‘23

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?

MUSICIANS BROUGHT HOLIDAY CHEER TO THE REGIS JESUIT COMMUNITY THIS DECEMBER. STUDENTS PERFORMED IN THE Z THEATRE FOR THE WINTER INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT AND THE WINTER CHORAL CONCERT.

photos by Lenny Osuna ‘24

Ira Timme ‘25 spread Christmas cheer for all to hear with Vox Lucis. String orchestra plays with elegance under the direction of Ms. Julie Bruchs.

Cantabelles and Vox Lucis come together through song during a performance directed by Mr. Bernie Sauer ‘97

Chloe Adams ‘25 leads Girls Choral with her voice during the Christmas Concert.

Band gives their joyus performance conducted by Mr. Chet Aliga. PERFORMING ARTS ELEVATE 09