George Scharr, Falmouth Academy (F.A.) chair of the Arts Department, dedicated the already-scheduled performance by F.A.’s String Ensemble and International Ensemble to Olivann Hobbie, who passed away unexpectedly on December 4^th. Olivann was one of F.A.’s founding faculty and was the school’s first Arts Chair. She was a mentor and an inspiration to Mr. Scharr and many others. She also taught history.

Norma Stiner, Director of String Ensemble, conducted the student musicians through a set of traditional Christmas and Hanukkah tunes, followed by an impressive Tchaikovsky Humoresque. Before student pianist Xuanyu “Genie” Chang performed Chopin’s Nocturne in C Minor #21, Mr. Scharr gave a touching tribute to Olivann. The International Ensemble of 2 violins, guitar, and piano then performed John Lennon’s Imagine, Toreador Song from Bizet’s Carmen, and Nat King Cole’s  It’s a Wonderful World. Over forty WHWC Club members enjoyed the December 12th performance and appreciated the opportunity to honor a lost club member and contributor to the community.

Students Xuanyu “Genie” Chang, Alex deChiara, Marcus Greco, Miguel Gomez-Ibanez, Junke “Kelly” Lin, Faye McGuire, Luke Okoshi-Michel, Gabriela “Gaby” Otoni, James Riddiford, and Robert Ronan performed.