Concert brings together students of all ages

By Jennifer Grybowski
Turley Publications Reporter

Editor's note: March is "Music in Our Schools Month." The Town Common will be highlighting some of the great things happening with music in the Tantasqua/Union 61 district each week this month.

STURBRIDGE - From classical, to jazz, to show tunes, music will bring together students of all ages, from around the five districts, when they perform in the All Region Band Concert Tuesday, March 16 at 7 p.m. in the Tantasqua Regional High School Auditorium.
The concert is a Tantasqua tradition; it has been performed every year, for many, many years.
From the high school, the Concert Band will perform and the junior high will be represented by two bands.
But what sets this concert apart, is the Elementary Band.
The best band musicians at the elementary school level are chosen by their band teachers to perform in this band. This year, 84 students were selected.
“It creates an honors elementary band,” said Christine Costello, Tantasqua/Union 61 fine arts curriculum supervisor.
The students from all five schools come together to play as one in the band.
“To be from a small school and play with an 80-piece band is exciting,” Costello said.
They rehearse together at the junior high only five times before their performance. Costello said it’s important that they rehearse there, not only because of the spacious accommodations, but so that the elementary students can see what it’s like to play outside of their comfort zone and into what they can expect in the future.
“We want the elementary kids to get experience of the next step,” Costello said.
Costello said the excitement of rehearsing at the junior high, and performing at the high school, keeps the young musicians motivated to stick with their instrument and stick with playing in the band.
After the elementary band finishes their performance, the students take their seat in the audience to view the junior high and high school performances. Costello said this viewing is another motivator for students to continue on with the band program.
“It’s a great opportunity for the elementary kids to see the progression,” Costello said.
Some of the older band musicians also volunteer their time to help coordinate the elementary band.
“It’s a good opportunity for everyone,” Costello said.
The concert is beneficial for the band teachers as well, because the concert serves as a professional development opportunity. The elementary band teachers take turns conducting, and Costello said, that watching each other help them to each become better at what they do.
“It really is a great experience,” Costello said.
The elementary band teachers work together to select the five pieces, in several genres, the band will play.
“The elementary band directors select good, educational pieces in appropriate levels,” Costello said.
The concert is free and the public is invited to support the music program. For more information, contact Costello at costelloc@tantasqua.org.