On the evening of Thursday, May 14, 2026, the prestigious Vietnam National Academy of Music set the stage for a victory lap. The St. Paul Sound Spring Concert wasn’t just another seasonal performance; it was a triumphant homecoming for a program that recently conquered the competition stage in the United States.
This academic year tested our musicians like never before. Between rigorous rehearsals and the pressure of international competition, the road to this spring showcase was paved with “resilience, focus, and commitment.” The hard work paid off in historic fashion: all three performing groups earned first place and gold medals during their recent trip to New Orleans.
Our music teacher, Ms. Stacey shared that the New Orleans trip stood out as a highlight of her past 10 years at St. Paul, not just for the hardware brought home, but for the memories created off-stage.
The evening’s repertoire showcased the incredible versatility of our student-musicians, spanning classical arrangements to heavy metal anthems.
SPASH and Eagles Guitar
The guitar ensemble opened with a sophisticated palette, featuring:
Variations on a Slovak Folk Song
The ethereal Orinoco Flow
A high-energy rendition of Get Lucky
Special highlights included the SPASH Guitar group’s playful “007 Theme” and the “Super Mario Bros Suite,” which brought a smile to everyone in the audience.
Choir
The choir filled the academy with soaring harmonies and soulful solos.
Jiyoon B. and Angelina B. stunned the crowd during Time After Time.
Hangyeol K. delivered a moving rendition of the classic Can’t Help Falling In Love.
The set closed with a powerful, rhythmic performance of Something Just Like This, featuring soloist Eun Chae L.
SPASH and Eagles Band
The energy shifted into high gear with the Band’s performance. From the jazzy “Bang Zoom!” to the classic rock staple “25 or 6 to 4,” the brass and woodwind sections demonstrated why they are gold-medal caliber.
Teacher Cappella Group
Acawhat?!?! sang Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel), featuring Soprano: Stacey Perez, Trang Le Thi, Alto: Shannon McCartha, Tenor: Daniel Bailey, Bass: John North.
Grand Finale: Enter Sandman
The All Eagles Combo closed the night with an electrifying arrangement of Metallica’s Enter Sandman. Seeing the guitars, choir, and band members collaborate on such a high-octane piece was the perfect metaphor for a year defined by “finding our way through it together.”
While the students head into a well-deserved summer break, the future of the St. Paul Sound is already looking bright. The program announced an exciting shift for next year: Prague. Trading the jazz of New Orleans for the classical heart of Europe, the move to a Czech competition marks a new chapter of growth for these young musicians.
