“Free Fallin’”: Meridian’s Annual Music Night Braves a Snow Storm

By 12th grader Jacob

On Wednesday, March 7th, the Meridian music department put on its fourth and largest-ever Music Night. Featuring 34 students, it’s safe to say that the music department has grown significantly over the past several years. Not only did kids from all four divisions lend their talents to the night, but a few songs saw some of the teachers participate! Jon graced us with performances on his normal instrument of choice, the fiddle; and Catherine, as a member of the Division 4 drumming class, accompanied an extremely adorable rendition of Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.”

As is customary, the all-genre Meridian Band played several songs, ranging from classic rock hits like “Crosstown Traffic” and “Free Fallin’” to quirky pop that sounds like it’s from a musical but somehow isn’t, as in the case of “I’m Me” by Us the Duo. Many songs incorporated collaborations between classes and often divisions. The Division 4 guitar class and the Division 1 drumming class chugged together through the Boston-centric classic “Dirty Water.” Amongst a plethora of artists—Joni Mitchell, Queen, and almost everything in between—there were a few original student compositions. 9th grader Jamie debuted the closing song from her musical-in-progress about the life of Marsha P. Johnson, and for the continuation of my Lomax Sessions elective, Laura and I performed our version of a song called “How Could I Live.”

By the time the main set ended, it was snowing wildly outside. Laura asked the audience if they wanted to hear the encore – a selection of songs from Regina Spektor’s Begin to Hope album arranged for this year’s music Winterim – and they responded with an overwhelming “Yes!” As the storm raged on outside the windows, we powered through the remainder of our setlist.

Of course, I would be remiss not to mention the annual Music Night tradition. For all of the graduating seniors who had been active participants in the music department, Laura presented framed pictures of the “Grilla”—a large drawing-turned-painting of a gorilla that resides on one of the chalkboards in the music room. Although this was, sadly, my last Meridian Music Night, I look forward to seeing what the music department will look like in the years to come. Whatever that may be, I know it’ll still be as amazing and unique as it’s always been.