May 7, 2026
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, MPA joyfully arrives at what many in our community know as concert season. This special time brings our choirs, band, and orchestra to the Nicholson Center stage to share the incredible work they have been preparing throughout the year. These concerts are community celebrations, moments when students showcase not only musical skill, but dedication, creativity, and teamwork. Research consistently affirms the value of music education, and a 2023 University of Southern California study showed that “sustained participation in school music programs supports cognitive development, academic growth, and overall student wellbeing.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of concert season is witnessing student growth over time. For some musicians, this marks the completion of their first year at MPA, and for others, it reflects an Upper School musical journey that began four years ago. Studies from institutions such as USC and the Arts Education Partnership demonstrate that musical training strengthens memory, attention, executive functioning, and emotional regulation, all positive skills that will benefit them in Upper School and beyond. Watching students, including my own son, who once approached the stage with hesitation, now perform with poise, is a powerful reminder of how music supports both skill development and confidence.
As students advance, their repertoire grows in complexity and depth, requiring careful listening, collaboration, and perseverance. Research published in journals such as “Frontiers in Psychology” and “The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health” shows that ensemble music-making strengthens social connection, self-efficacy, and motivation, benefits that extend far beyond the four walls of their music room or the Nicholson Center. These qualities are clearly visible as students perform increasingly challenging pieces with focus and pride.
Please just don’t take my word for this. The musicians, their teachers, and I warmly invite families and community members to join us for the upcoming spring performances to celebrate their growth and accomplishments. The concerts are scheduled for:
- Orchestra on Thursday, May 7 at 7 PM
- Band on Thursday, May 14 at 7 PM
- Vocal Music on Wednesday, May 20 at 7:30 PM
These evenings reflect the powerful impact of dedicated students and a strong music program, one that nurtures academic development, emotional well-being, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
I look forward to seeing you on campus soon; maybe even at one of the upcoming concerts.
Important Information
- If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please contact the Upper School assistant, Chanda Williams, at 651-748-5544 or cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org.
- Please join members of the Class of 2026 on Friday, May 22, at 1 PM for the annual Senior Walk. Seniors process through campus in their graduation gowns, stopping for quick hugs and high-fives from cheering teachers, parents, and friends from other grades. The parade commences at the Lower School entrance—where some seniors started their MPA education—and follows the sidewalk west to finish at Door 4, near the Black Box. It is a fun and beloved tradition for the MPA community.
- On Tuesday, May 26, the senior class will host “Senior Service-Con” (the name inspired by the popular Comic-Con), an event for members of the MPA and the surrounding community, in which seniors present their senior service projects. “MPA’s Senior Service-Con creates a culture of service and communicates MPA’s values of volunteerism and community involvement. Meant to serve both MPA and external communities, Service-Con is an opportunity for seniors to demonstrate the importance of service.” Service-Con will be held on the McKeown Track within the Lansing Sport Center from 1-4 PM.
Mark Your Calendars
- Friday, May 8: US AP Macroeconomics Exam, 8 AM-12 PM
- Friday, May 8: US AP History Exam, 8 AM-12 PM
- Friday, May 8: US AP Chinese Exam, 12-4 PM
- Friday, May 8: US Robotics Team Banquet, 5-8 PM, Family Commons
- Monday, May 11: US AP Calculus AB/BC Exam, 8 AM-12 PM
- Monday, May 11: US End of Year Theatre Luncheon, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Black Box
- Monday, May 11: US AP Music Theory Exam, 12-4 PM
- Tuesday, May 12: US AP French Exam, 8 AM-12 PM
- Tuesday, May 12: US AP Pre-Calc Exam, 8 AM-12 PM
- Tuesday, May 12: US AP Psychology Exam, 12-4 PM
- Wednesday, May 13: US AP English Language Exam, 8 AM-12 PM
- Wednesday, May 13: US AP Spanish Literature Exam, 12-4 PM
- Wednesday, May 13: US Physics C Mech Exam, 12-4 PM
- Wednesday, May 13: US Robotics Mentor Meeting, 4:30-7:30 PM, PCR
- Wednesday, May 13: APPI Month Celebration, 3:30-5:30 PM, Family Commons
- Thursday, May 14: US AP Spanish Language Exam, 8 AM-12 PM
- Thursday, May 14: US AP Exam Physics C. E, & M, 12-4 PM
- Thursday, May 14: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
- Friday, May 15: US Class of 2026 Last Day of Classes
- Friday, May 15: Conversation & Coffee with the Head of School, 8-9 AM, Martin Lenz
Harrison Library - Tuesday, May 19: US AP History Make-Up Exam, 12-4 PM, Room 174
- Wednesday, May 20: US Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
- Thursday, May 21: US AP Chinese Make-Up Exam, 8 AM-12 PM, Room 174
- Thursday, May 21: US AP Precalculus Exam, 8 AM-12 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Thursday, May 21: US GCD Presentation, 3:15-5:30 PM, Recital Hall
- Friday, May 22: US Senior Class Meeting, 9-10 AM, Recital Hall
- Friday, May 22: US Senior Performances, 10-11:15 AM, Recital Hall
- Friday, May 22: Spring Alumni Panel, 11:30 AM-1 PM, Recital Hall
- Friday, May 22: US Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, MPA Campus (Door 1 to Door 4)
- Friday, May 22: US Award Ceremony, 1:45-3 PM, Nicholson Center
- Monday, May 25: No Classes, Memorial Day
- Tuesday, May 26: Volunteer Breakfast, 8:30-9:30 AM, Family Commons
- Tuesday, May 26: LS/US Band/Orchestra G4 Concert, 10:30-11:20 AM, Panther Center
- Tuesday, May 26: US Senior Service-Con, 1-4 PM, McKeown Track
- Wednesday, May 27: US Madrigal Singer Auditions, 3-6 PM, Recital Hall; Choir Room
- Wednesday, May 27: Class of 2026 Senior Dinner, 6-8 PM, Dellwood Country Club
- Thursday, May 28: US World Language Finals
