Waterford's Upper School Ensemble's Ode to Joy

Waterford School's Upper School ensemble and guest singers worked on a beautiful project this week while learning remotely at home. Ode to Joy from Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9  is one of the most recognizable melodies in the world, but what makes this melody so unique is that Beethoven wrote it when he was deaf. He was living alone as a hermit and his deafness made it difficult for him to interact with others. Despite his difficult reality, the lyrics to Ode to Joy are incredibly joyful and speak of unity and happiness. Even now, in this time physically apart, Beethoven's music brings us together. 

And as Ms. Morris, Music Department Chair, says, "in times of crisis, the music goes on, and you are not alone".  #OneWaterford

Ode to Joy Waterford Ensemble from The Waterford School on Vimeo.