Sippican School Instrumental Music Director Hannah Moore sat with her student musicians during the FORM Instrumental Concert on March 17. Moore was recognized with a standing ovation during the event ahead of her retirement. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT — Old Rochester Regional (ORR) School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 is proud to celebrate the success of three performances starring student musicians, vocalists and actors, including two March concerts presented by Friends of Old Rochester Music (FORM) and an ORR Drama Club production of “The Proposal.”
Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, High School Principal Michael Devoll, Junior High Principal Silas Coellner, Rochester Memorial School Principal Heidi Letendre, Sippican School Principal Lynn Dessert, and Old Hammondtown School Principal Stephanie Wells served as masters of ceremonies for the concerts. They thanked FORM for supporting student musicians throughout the district and the teachers who orchestrated the three productions.
FORM welcomed the community for two nights of extraordinary student performances as part of the 2025-26 Concert Series, including the FORM Choral Concert on March 10 and the FORM Instrumental Concert on March 17.
Both concerts, which raise money for FORM music scholarships, featured chorus and band performances by students from Old Hammondtown School, Rochester Memorial School, Sippican Elementary School, Old Rochester Regional Junior High School and Old Rochester Regional High School.
“Each of these concerts showcased the incredible talent and dedication of our student musicians from across all of our schools,” said Principal Devoll. “It was especially meaningful to see students of all ages come together and perform at such a high level for the community.”
These events are partially funded by donations to FORM, which is now celebrating 43 years of scholarship awards for graduating seniors. Using private fundraisers to support special events, programming, transportation and musical instrument purchases, FORM provides opportunities for young musicians beyond the regular school district budget.
The concerts also highlighted the collaborative efforts of music educators throughout the district, whose instruction and mentorship help students develop their skills and confidence on stage.
Donations for FORM can be made by mail, with checks sent to P.O. Box 1143, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. To learn more, email FORM@OldRochester.org
or visit FriendsOfOldRochesterMusic.org.
The March FORM concerts also offered an opportunity for students and the community to celebrate Hannah Moore and Patricia Richard as they retire from their roles as music directors at Sippican School. Moore is retiring as the Instrumental Music Director and Richard is retiring as the Choral Music Director.
“We are incredibly grateful to Ms. Moore and Ms. Richard for their years of dedication to our students and music programs,” said Sippican School Principal Lynn Dessert. “Their impact will be felt for years to come through the many students they have inspired.”
Future FORM concerts include “A Night of Jazz” scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 14 at Old Rochester Regional High School, along with the Spring Concert set to be held at the high school at 6 p.m. on May 20, and the Old Rochester Regional Junior High School Spring Concert at 6 p.m. on May 20.
The production of “The Proposal” presented by the ORR Drama Club was also a tremendous success.
The ORR Drama Club first performed its modern adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s one-act comedy as part of the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) High School Drama Festival on Feb. 28 at Joseph Case High School, before presenting a home performance at ORR High School on March 6.
“We are proud of our students for their creativity, hard work and willingness to take on the challenges of live theater,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Jaime Curley. “Opportunities like this allow students to grow not only as performers, but as confident individuals.”
“The arts play an important role in helping students develop critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills,” said Shari Fedorowicz, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. “These performances are a reflection of both student effort and the strong support provided by our educators.”
“These events highlight the strength of our arts programs across the district and the dedication of both our students and staff,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “We are grateful to FORM, our educators and our community for continuing to support these opportunities for our students.”
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Students from across the Old Rochester Regional School District performed during the FORM Choral Concert on March 10, showcasing their vocal talents for the community. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
The FORM Choral Concert on March 10 featured performances by student vocalists from elementary through high school across the Old Rochester Regional School District. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Student vocalists took the stage at the FORM Choral Concert on March 10, part of the 2025-26 concert series supporting music education across the district. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Chorus students from multiple schools gathered to perform together during the FORM Choral Concert on March 10 at Old Rochester Regional High School. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Community members and families fill the auditorium during the FORM Choral Concert on March 10, showing their support for student musicians across the Old Rochester Regional School District. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Students performed a scene from the Old Rochester Regional High School Drama Club’s production of “The Proposal,” showcasing their acting talents and comedic timing. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Cast members brought Anton Chekhov’s “The Proposal” to life during a recent performance by the ORR Drama Club. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Student actors performed a scene during the ORR Drama Club’s production of “The Proposal,” a modern adaptation of the classic one-act comedy. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
The ORR Drama Club presented “The Proposal,” featuring student performers in a fast-paced comedy centered on love, pride and misunderstanding. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Audience members applauded a lively performance of “The Proposal” by the Old Rochester Regional High School Drama Club. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Student members of the theater production crew supported the ORR Drama Club’s performance of “The Proposal,” working behind the scenes on lighting, sound and stage management. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
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