Belmont Hill Spring Coffee House a Smashing Success

By Nathan Zhang ’26 Panel Staff

On Friday, April 14th in the Kraft Theater, Belmont Hill hosted its Spring Coffee House. The show featured many student and faculty performances under the dazzling color-changing lights and smoke effects of the theater.

There were 18 separate performances ranging from instrumental groups to vocals to electronic Garageband performances. Some notable performances included the Middle School Rock Band performing two songs, Yellow by Coldplay and Valerie by The Zutons. The Upper School Rock Band also performed a song, Ragoo by Kings Of Leon. Seniors made up a lot of the show, with Will Kelly, Cam Connell, Dave LoGrasso, Leo Montoya, Sam Atalla, and Riley Goodman all performing throughout the night. There were also classical performances on the piano such as Adrian Tan’s performance of La Campanella, a very difficult piece full of action. Sam Atalla also played a traditional organ Tocatta by Bach on the piano. Lastly, Ryan Chang-Wu performed a portion of a concerto on his violin. Numerous faculty members also made appearances on the stage. Mr. Schneider sang a song that he had last sung at his wedding with his guitar. Mr. DiResta sang an all-time classic in Take Me Home, Country Roads. Mr. George utilized his GarageBand expertise to back him up while he performed Enjoy The Silence on the keyboard, a song that was popular when he was a senior in high school. The Spring Coffee House was magnificent and would not have been possible without the organization of the faculty in the Music Department.

Artist of the Issue: Dave Lograsso

By Lev Tolkoff ’24 Panel Staff

Dave LoGrasso ‘23 has been an integral part of our school’s performing arts program for the past few years. As a commanding and outspoken voice he has truly elevated the B Flats to new heights. Highlighted by his rendition of Hallelujah at an all school chapel, as well as singing the centennial song with the rest of the B Flats, Dave has given lasting memories to all of us that will stand the test of time.

Growing up, Dave did not partake in any formal singing group, however music was always a key part of his identity. His love for music began when he was six listening to the Gorillaz, and soon he could recite the entire hit song, “Feel Good Inc.” Dave remarks, “That’s where my love and appreciation for music really started.” While also a star on the football team, music has always been part of his life, “Music is one of the only things I re- ally think about all the time. There is always some song in my head whether that be a song that I’m learning for a performance or that I hear in passing when out and about.”

Throughout his time at Belmont Hill, Dave sang in the B Flats, a time he cherished deeply, “B Flats is the thing I look forward to everyday when I’m at school.” Dave adds, “ I can’t thank all the fine young men in this group enough for all the hard work they put into the group and how much fun we’ve had this past year.” In Dave’s eyes, the future is bright for the program despite his departure after this spring, “I can’t wait to see the B Flats grow over these next few years. The future is very bright. And most importantly I can’t thank Brother P enough for everything that he has done for when joining the B Flats. For teaching me how to actually sing, a piano for me for all of my performances.”

Dave wishes to emphasize one message, “SING! No matter what people think about your singing, just sing. I think it’s one of the best ways to de-stress and the

B-Flats are always looking for more brothers to sing with.” The Panel thanks Dave for all his contributions to the arts program

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and wishes him luck as he looks to sing in Bucknell’s acapella group next fall!