Above: Ten Algonquin students performed recently at Symphony Hall. Back Row (L to R) Ariel Chang, Annalise Moschella, Gloria Chen, Marisa Vazquez, Alex Mayhew, Gretchen Herdrich, Rachel Gosenhauser; Front Row (L to R) Eddie Lowe, Jason Gao, Jenny Ma. (Photo by Sue Teplansky)
The Northborough-Southborough Music Association sent along this update on some impressive musical happenings at Algonquin.
Algonquin students perform at Boston Symphony Hall
It’s not so lonely at the top when you are surrounded by so many of your musical classmates performing on stage at Boston Symphony Hall which is widely regarded as one of the two or three finest concert halls in the world.
Ten Algonquin students were selected to participate in the MMEA (Massachusetts Music Educators Association) All-State Conference and Concert from March 28 – March 30, 2011.
Musicians from across the state auditioned for the coveted opportunity to spend two days rehearsing with top conductors and performing on stage in one of the most historic and acoustically perfect concert halls.
“The students get such great exposure to fabulous conductors who are either at collegiate level or professional musicians” said Amy Collins, Chairman of Fine and Performing Arts Department at Algonquin. “The conductors inspire the kids to explore new ideas about performance. They come away with pride, confidence and a lot of inside tips”.
While the kids were rehearsing, the teachers attended conference workshops. Amy was especially thrilled with this years’ concert because she accompanied the All-State Chorus on clarinet on a piece titled, “Mayim, Mayim”.
Algonquin musicians bring home grand champion titles
The display case outside the high school auditorium has gotten very crowded since the students in the music department returned from The Spirit of America Music Festival in Washington DC on April 3rd.
In addition to unloading all the suitcases and instruments, the students proudly unloaded 8 trophies for their outstanding performances in this annual festival which is sponsored by Performing Arts Consultants Music Festivals and attended by schools throughout the country.
Ninety-nine students from Algonquin performed, many in more than one ensemble. The results were impressive:
Concert Choir – First Place, Silver Rating
Camerata – First Place, Gold Rating
Chamber Choir – First Place, Gold Rating – Grand Champion Choral
Symphonic Band – First Place, Silver Rating
String Orchestra – First Place, Gold Rating
Wind Ensemble – First Place, Gold Rating – Grand Champion Instrumental
“The kids really represented Algonquin and the communities of Northborough and Southborough well. They are true champions” said Amy Collins, department chair and director of the String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. “Not only did the students perform well in the festival, they had a great time sightseeing around the DC area – a very successful trip”
The group was able to visit the Capitol Building and other monuments as well as the Smithsonian Museum and Arlington Cemetery. They ended the trip with a dinner/dance/awards ceremony cruise on the Potomac River. The kids had a well-deserved blast!
