This spring, McMath’s Contemporary Music class earned national recognition by winning first place in the CBC Spring Music Class Challenge. Their performance of The Returner by Allison Russell stood out for its creativity, musical range and strong sense of collaboration.
The class chose the song for its emotional lyrics and soulful energy. Students worked together to shape a unique arrangement that reflected their strengths as a group. The horn section brought a jazz influence, while the guitars and strings added a blues and country feel. The mix of vocal styles gave the piece even more depth.
Throughout the process, students focused on listening closely to each other and building a strong rhythm together. Their final performance featured a powerful bridge and chorus that captured the spirit of the song and their shared commitment to making music as a team.
