Early spring has been buzzing with competitions, practices, performances and great music from our high school students. On Feb 11 the Medfield HS Jazz Band was awarded the Gold Level at the Norwood Jazz Classic. Congratulations to Keith Curbow, saxaphone, and Matt Starvakas, bass, who were both awarded Most Outstanding soloist in the Norwood Jazz Classic!
The music continued as the HS pitt band performed some challenging musical scores for the theater production Children of Eden. The kids dedicated an incredible number of hourse to be able to provide live music for our high school drama production...how amazing is that!! Let's not forget the band's performance with the upcoming 8 grade students. What an unforgetable concert with "Voo-Doo" bringing down the house at the conclusion of the evening.
This past weekend the Jazz Band competed in the All State Jazz Competition in Framington. The Jazz Band won Gold for their outstanding performance. This achievement will advance them to perfrom at the Hatch Shell this coming May! Matt Stravakas was also awarded the MVP for the Medfield Jazz Band. Congratulations Matt!! We are proud of our Jazz musicians, their dedication, practice and wonderufl performances.
Competitions continue for the band, Jazz Band, orchestra and chorus throughout April. Best wishes and what a pleasure it is to share your talents!
10 Medfield High School students were selected for Senior Districts
High School musicians and singers selected for the Third Annual Eastern Senior District Concert at Boston Latin School on Jan. 9 included Joe Coulombre, cello, orchestra; Annette Curbow, trumpet, concert band; Keith Curbow, saxophone, jazz band; Gabrielle Jaques, chorus; David Jensen, violin, orchestra; Stephen Krawec, violin, orchestra; Grace Murray, trumpet, concert band; Noh Kyung Park, chorus; Lucy Pericles, baritone saxophone, jazz band; and Stephanie Shephard, chorus. Musicians and singers are chosen through auditions for the highly competitive slots by representatives of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association.
Concert Attire Collection
Wondering what to do with that no longer needed concert attire? The MMA will collect suits, pants, shirts, and jackets in good condition. Please send in your favorite clothing to school or drop off at 12 Pilgrim Lane. The MMA will have the clothes available for the incoming music students in September. Email the MMA with any questions: mailto:mail@medfieldmusicassociation.com
Medfield Jazz Night A Great Success
On Friday May first, a wonderful jazz concert was had by all who attended the annual Jazz Night at Medfield High School. The performances included Jazz Combos, Jazz Bands and Jazz Choirs from both the Middle School and High School. The music was outstanding and the evening was filled with the sounds of these talented musicians. While many excellent soloists took the stage, Keith Curbow on tenor sax brought the house down with his incredible solo performance. A standing ovation was dellivered by the almost sold-out audience at the end of this delightful and exciting night sponsored by the Medfield Music Association. The music will continue this weekend at Pops Night on Saturday May 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the High School and at the Hatch Shell in Boston on May 17th at 12:40. Bring a picnic to Sunday's event in Boston and cheer on this gold medal award winning Jazz Band!
Gold for the Blake Middle School Wind Ensemble
The Blake Middle School Wind Ensemble was awarded a Gold Medal at the 2009 Massachusetts
Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Concert Festival. More than 140 bands and orchestras from Massachusetts elementary, middle and high schools participated in the three-day event. Performances took place at six different sites – Foxboro High School, Hopkinton High School, Lexington High School, Greenfield High School, Bellingham High School and King Philip Regional High School. Each group was evaluated on the merit of their performance by three highly qualified adjudicators. Ensembles earning a Gold Medal have been invited to perform at Symphony Hall in Boston on either April 18 or April 25. MICCA, with the support of the Boston Symphony Orchestra,is sponsoring its eleventh annual “Stars
at Symphony” Gold Medal showcase.
The group’s program included, Three Renaissance Dances arranged by John Moss, A Childhood Hymn by David Holsinger and March of the Irish Guard by James Ployhar. The judges commented on their mature level of playing for having only three or four years experience with their instruments. Their remarks were very positive in regards to the ensemble’s sound quality, blend, dynamics and phrasing. It was also noted that the students played with great confidence, had very good command of tempo, listened to each other, and followed their conductor.
I am extremely proud of how all of the students performed. They conducted themselves in a professional manner while at our performance site, Bellingham High School. Everyone represented themselves and the Medfield community very well. The Wind Ensemble was started this year to offer our most dedicated students the opportunity to perform together and reach for a high standard of excellence. Bravo to all of the students on making this goal a reality and to the parents and administrators for all of their support!
Musically,
Ryan Dexter
Band Director
Come Join the first Community Orchestra in Medfield!
This Orchestra is designed to bring music lovers from all ages and communities together to have fun performing music. All ability levels and instruments are welcome.
Go to http://www.medfieldorchestras.com/medfield-summer-community-orchestra for more information and a sign-up sheet.
Six Medfield students have been accepted to the Massachusetts Music Educators Association
Eastern Junior District Band. More than 1,000 seventh, eighth and ninth grade students from area schools auditioned for the band, chorus, orchestra and jazz band on January 31. Nearly 20 students from the Medfield music program auditioned for the various ensembles. The students were required to prepare a challenging solo work as well as numerous scales to demonstrate proficiency on their instrument. The process of preparing for the audition can take months of personal practice. Many of the students who audition take private lessons in addition to participating in their school music program. The groups will come together for two days of intense rehearsals before performing a concert for the students' parents.
The Festival takes place March 6 & 7 at Lincoln Sudbury High School.
From left to right:
Cameron Small, grade 8, trumpet; Christina Rankin, grade 7, trombone; Paul
Wagenseller, grade 9, tenor sax; Daniel Rull, grade 7, trumpet; Annette
Curbow, grade 9, trumpet; Alice Ju, grade 7, Mallet Percussion