2016 Duchesne Concert for Uganda

The "Jackson Hill Band" lit up the stage with their high energy '80s funk sound. (From left) Travis Carrol, Marco Orellana and Bridget Groff.

A perfect start to the New Year, the annual Concert for Uganda was once again the ideal platform for students of all ages to showcase their talent and raise awareness for a more than worthy cause. All of the proceeds from the concert went toward supplies for Duchesne’s sister school in Uganda. And every year, without fail, the girls in Uganda send their Sacred Heart sisters in Houston send a heartwarming video message letting us know just how much they appreciate the contribution.

After a brief introduction about the cause behind the concert and the night’s performers, Upper School History teacher, Michael Horne, gave the stage up for the first act of the night, Yoyodyne, featuring the vocal and instrumental styling of Greg Partyka and David Payne. Up next, juniors Riley Battenfield and Laura Lee Johnson graced the stage with an acoustic rendition of “If I Knew” by Bruno Mars.

"Just a Garage" band: Robert Castillo, Mike Castillo, Frank Castillo, Jim Castillo, Stephanie Almendarez and Duchesne senior Mya Garcia.

A group made up of recent Duchesne alumni, Bridget Groff, Raquel Gonzalez, Ashley Vaughan and Chelsea Wang were received with thundering applause when they returned to the stage for the fourth consecutive year with their unique sound of classic rock ‘n roll meets folksy acoustic. Representing DASH middle school was the youngest performer of the night, eighth grader Avnika Dubey, who hit it out of the park with strong soulful vocals comparable to the likes of Aretha Franklin and Etta Jones.

Next to take the stage was Head of Upper School, Donald Cramp, and Middle School Dean, Tony Houle, who brought a comical air to the night with their take on Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” featuring nothing but a ukulele and their “masterful” vocals. The final solo act of the night was senior Amanda Nguyen’s hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Skinny Love” by English singer/songwriter Birdy. The concert came to a close with an ensemble act that featured everything from the xylophone to electric guitar, and brought together all of the talents of the night in one beautifully harmonious concordance of sounds.

All in all, the 2016 Concert for Uganda served as the perfect way to kick off the New Year and showcase the many talented students and faculty of the Duchesne community.