When a Spartan is truly passionate about everything they do, they leave a special kind of mark on campus in many different areas. From excelling in their extracurriculars to being a loyal and beloved friend, these individuals are always worth celebrating — not just at the end of their journey on campus!
Annie Ehrlich ‘26 has been part of the St. Stephen’s community since sixth grade and has made extensive contributions to many areas of student life. As a part of the SSTX Peer Tutoring Program, she has supported both Middle and Upper School students in Physics and French coursework. Annie also leads the Puzzle Club, La Société Française, and Nosh/Jewish Culture Club, connecting with others through crossword games and crêpe-making alike. She’s a pianist and violist with the St. Stephen’s Orchestra, playing in chamber ensembles at school events and the ISAS Fine Arts Festival. Additionally, Annie is a member of Theatre Focus and its Season Selection Committee, with eleven productions, onstage roles, and directing experience under her belt. Count us mind-blown!
Music, in particular, has played a big role in Annie’s life. Her sister inspired her to begin playing piano at five years old, and she fell in love with it ever since: “I have always loved how the 88 keys of a piano [create] infinite combinations of not just complex notes and harmonies, but also tones and colors…. playing piano is almost like painting—each piece is its own expressive scene built layer upon layer.” For her, it’s a rewarding process where dedicated practice helps her gain control over the music: “Each note and sound is a direct response to how much weight I put into the key, when I lift my fingers, etc, and being able to practice… until it sounds exactly how I imagine it in my head is a rare, but welcome escape from a world with so many things out of our control.” Orchestra is where this journey becomes a group effort, where individual sounds come together to make a symphonic whole. “Even just one instrument missing, our sound would not be complete.” Viola is another instrument Annie loves for its uniqueness: “it’s not a violin nor a cello, but, with its higher range and low C string, has the capability to play in a similar fashion to either. More importantly… violas have a unique timbre and melodic depth that I have yet to find on any other string instrument.” For Annie, music is an outlet for expression, relaxation, and connection that fills the space where words can’t. It’s no wonder that every performance leaves us spellbound and speechless!
Late night tech rehearsals are the universal rite of passage every theater student goes through to make their productions a reality. Annie’s rehearsal fuel of choice is caffeinated tea, but also the community that sticks together and stays accountable through the whole process: “Not only are relationships important in an acting-sense (if there’s no relationship between the characters in a scene, we end up with individuals speaking at each other, not to and with each other…), but they allow us to collectively problem solve and learn from others…. having a community encourages us to always keep putting in the effort, as, when others are relying on one to do their part, it holds them accountable.”
Looking back on her journey, the piano piece that means the most to Annie is Mendelssohn’s Rondo Capriccioso Op. 14, which she played in 10th grade. To her, the greatest meaning was found in the music itself: “The opening is incredibly expressive, despite the first phrases being composed of seemingly-simple, almost identical, repeated chords—it’s quiet and precise, yet deep and free at the same time.” As it picks up the tempo, the middle section becomes staccato and playful before its grand, thunderous ending. The contrast in the piece draws her to it in particular, with both “expressive and melodic sections to showy and sparkly sections that are just pure fun to play.” It even reminds her of the animation in the film Fantasia, full of swirling colors flowing into booming storms.
Looking back on her time on The Hill, Annie had lots of experience and advice for Spartan artists looking to hone their craft, or simply just discover what they love: “Don’t be afraid to try something new! Even while staying within one art form, there are always new disciplines to explore, ways to view your art form, or even… [work on a new piece] if you just aren’t connecting with the one you’re currently working on.” She also advises fellow students to trust themselves, not overthink, and live in the moment. St. Stephen’s is a campus full of supportive classmates and teachers who can provide both encouragement and new perspectives. Last but not least, a gentle note for the perfectionists out there: “It never hurts to remind yourself that you really are your harshest critic :)”
Whether it’s directing Theatre Focus productions or throwing pizza frisbees with friends, Annie gives it her all in everything she does. We’re always in awe of her strengths as an artist and person, and we can’t wait to see where the future takes her next!
