Old Rochester Regional Junior High School seventh grader John Eilertsen played his French Horn at the Southeastern Massachusetts Music Educators Association Junior District Festival. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT — Old Rochester Regional (ORR) School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, High School Principal Michael Devoll, and Junior High Principal Silas Coellner are proud to congratulate eight ORR instrumentalists and vocalists who performed at the Southeastern Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) Junior District Festival.
The following students took the stage at Hingham Middle School on March 7-8:
- John Eilertsen, French Horn (Grade 7)
- Sophia Meleo, Trombone (Grade 7)
- Bridget Lee, Soprano (Grade 7)
- Sophie Zhou, Trombone (Grade 8)
- Mia DeRossi-Goldberg, Soprano (Grade 8)
- Mara Donnelly, Flute (Grade 9)
- Joshua Marcolini, Tenor Saxophone (Grade 9)
- Rebecca Schaefer, Trumpet (Grade 9)
“Seeing our eight students shine among such talented peers was truly inspiring,” said JHS Music Teacher Richard Laprise. “They performed beautifully and demonstrated the hard work and passion that we value in our Old Rochester musicians.”
The eight musicians from Old Rochester auditioned and earned a place to participate in two days of intensive music rehearsals in either a choir, orchestra or band.
“The culminating concert on March 8 demonstrated the tangible results of our students’ hard work and dedication and highlights the value of quality music education in our community,” Laprise said.
“We are all extremely proud of our students who participated in the festival,” Principal Devoll said. “This is a labor of love that requires significant time spent outside the classroom, and we’re thrilled to see that their hard work has paid off!”
MMEA has approximately 1,500 members, and provides leadership in professional development, advocacy, student assessment, opportunities for students, and providing a comprehensive, quality music for all students.
“This festival provides a tremendous opportunity for young musicians to excel,” said JHS Principal Coellner. “This experience pushes them beyond their regular school curriculum, fostering significant growth in their skills and confidence.”
MMEA is divided into five districts with a chair and an executive board for each district. Each of the districts organizes honor ensemble festivals and general music events. A percentage of students who participate in district festivals are eligible to audition for All-State honors ensembles.
“Congratulations to John, Sophia, Bridget, Sophie, Mia, Mara, Joshua, and Rebecca,” said Superintendent Nelson. “We are immensely proud of their achievements and proud to have these students represent Old Rochester.”
###
ORR ninth grader Joshua Marcolini played his Tenor Saxophone at the MMEA Junior District Festival. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Seventh grader Bridget Lee and eighth grader Mia DeRossi-Goldberg were among eight ORR musicians who performed at the MMEA Junior District Festival. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
From left to right: ninth graders Joshua Marcolini, Rebecca Schaefer, Mara Donnelly; seventh graders Sophia Meleo and John Eilertsen; and eighth grader Sophie Zhou. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.