From: Josh Marion (class of 2017) Public Relations Officer; GD Music Honor Society
This past weekend, the Groton-Dunstable Music program participated in the annual Music in the Parks music competition in Boston against several of other music-savvy schools from the area, spending a few days exploring what the city had to offer. While the weekend promised rain and cloudy skies, the entire group’s mood lightened after snatching 1st place in all performance categories, a “Best Overall Choir” award for the mixed chorus, and a “Best Jazz Soloist” medal for Sophomore Charlie Peterson. “A lot of hard work and dedication went into that piece” stated Peterson. “I practiced day after day and worked out every little detail to prepare for the competition. It was also super for me to be in sync with Nate (drummer), so I worked with him a bunch beforehand to tighten things up. The band did a fantastic job too, and everyone put in hard work on their individual parts to get the right sound and have everything come together in the end.” Brenna McAllister, saxophonist, also shared that “It felt good to come out on top after taking a year off of competing.”
However, the trip did not solely focus on competition, as the students also filled their time with touring around the historical sites of their capital, catching, and even participating in, a Blue Man Group show, and sitting in with a live band at Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge. A few of the students were called up to perform with the group, including oboe player and vocalist Celeste Vandermillen. Once home, Celeste expressed “I think the competitions are great for the music program because they give us a chance to perform with expert musicians, experience new venues, and get suggestions on how to improve as musicians”.
The musicians, happy with their victories, will be holding their spring concert at the Groton Dunstable Middle School May 25th at 7pm in the Performing Arts Center, and just like the trip, it's bound to be a smashing success.
