The quantitative sciences cohort of SRP performs “The Scientist” by Coldplay at School Meeting.
By Reinah Lee ’26 and Eva Swanson ’25
Following months of research in their chosen fields, students in the Science Research Program (SRP) compiled their studies into their Student Lecture Series (SLS) presentations, which took place on November 7 and 9. This year, the SRP students in the quantitative sciences cohort announced the dates for SLS in a musical way, forming a temporary band to perform “The Scientist” by Coldplay for SLS during School Meeting on October 31.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Danny Yoon ’24, who researched quantum computing over the summer, said the group initially came up with the idea in the spring and had been practicing since early September. Speaking about the song choice, Yoon said, “We were all scientists … [so] I thought it would be a good idea to sing ‘The Scientist’ by Coldplay.”
The group’s pianist, Bill Shen ’24, arranged the parts for each instrument. Over the summer, he worked to score the music for violin, piano, drums, and more. “I think that was really impressive. He did so much work to prepare for this,” guitarist Yuki Zhang ’24 said.
Shen’s work was central to the band’s success as they began the rehearsal process. “We met as a group to practice and to get each part together. We just had to coordinate everything to make sure that it sounds good,” he said.
Many members of the band picked up their instruments exclusively for this performance. Yoyo Zhang ’24, Henry Ding ’24, and Yuki Zhang learned the drums, bass guitar, and guitar respectively for the School Meet-ing announcement.
Yuki Zhang, who dedicated her SRP studies to researching particle physics, said, “I’ve always wanted to play the guitar.” Due to the minimal chords needed, she found the instrument easy to learn and would “love to continue it further.”
David Wang ’24, whose SRP work focused on the ways chemical structures of various biofuel compounds affect specific types of emission called soot, has been a violinist for over ten years. “I think most of us have some musical experience, but kudos to the people who had to pick up a new instrument for this,” he said.
Through this presentation, the quantitative cohort wanted to showcase the multifaceted quality of their group. “We’re not just nerds, reading papers, writing papers,” Wang said.
Yoon agreed, saying, “I wanted to show the School that a lot of kids are talented in various areas. Even though you’re passionate about science, you can also be talented in music.”
A protagonist in last year’s musical, Mamma Mia!, Yoon hoped the performance helped dismantle stereotypes surrounding cohort members. “Don’t frame SRP [students] as just science nerds,” Yoon said.
The group also aimed to increase excitement and engagement with the SRP program and lecture series. Yuki Zhang hoped that the band would help “get [the community] interested, so they watch some of the talks.”
Through their performance, the group was not only able to increase awareness about SLS but also bond with one another. “Especially since it’s our last term together as a cohort, I think it’s nice to be able to interact with the … quant[itative] cohort, especially in a space outside of the SRP classroom,” Wang said.
Having dedicated more than a year of their Choate careers to SRP, the quantitive cohort wanted to leave their mark on the School with a musical touch. Will Garcia ’27 applauded their dedication and commitment, shouting out his Atwater prefect, Yoon. “Especially as one of his prefectees, you see him balancing a lot of work in the dorm. It’s very impressive to see him also do this [performance]. His voice is wonderful.”
Dr. Chris Hogue, the director of the quantitative cohort, was moved by the performance. “That was really really really incredible. I will remember that forever,” he said.
