After the host introduced the event, a lively auditorium full of smiles, formal dress, and artistry turned into pin-drop silence as student performers took their seats onstage.

Organizers say the event aims to showcase the hard work of students on various musical projects, highlighting the best performances.

Chamber music is a form of classical music composed for a small group of instruments; it’s like a mini orchestra.

Cecile McNeill is a first year working towards a master’s degree in music. She plays the viola.

Cecile McNeil: Music is made to be performed in front of live audiences, and it’s often the case that we get so caught up being in our own individual practice rooms and in chamber groups. It’s better because you’ve got other people to work with.

Another first-year master’s student, Julianna Townley, plays the classical saxophone.

Julianna Townley: I think the saxophone specifically here are really important because we don’t get the chance to perform as often as other sections. So whenever we do it, we really put our whole heart into it and arguably enjoy it a little bit more than everybody else just because it is rare.

Still to come: More pop music showcases, classical guitar, a baroque sinfonia, and the Strings department concerto finals.

For Annenberg Media, I’m Clera Rodrigues.