The Junior Festival, sponsored by the Massachusetts Music Educations Association (MMEA), is an annual event that brings together some of the best student-musicians in Grades 7 to 9 to perform in a chorus, concert band, jazz band and orchestra. The participating student-musicians were selected based on their auditions held back in January.

 

“Our District’s Junior Festival really is a celebration,” said music teacher Mr. James Brodeur. “It is a celebration for the students who worked so hard to be chosen to participate in these ensembles and now get to do what they love with fellow musicians. Yet it is a celebration for the greater Boston community who, on one stage, can see and hear the talent of our youth!”

 

Boyd, Glancy, and Peruzzi were selected to sing in the Mixed Chorus under the direction of Dr. Pamela Mindell, the Artistic Director of the Worcester Children’s Chorus and Music Director of the Cambridge Community Chorus.

 

“I enjoyed working with so many other great musicians. My favorite piece was Oye because of the Spanish and the other words I had to learn how to pronounce,” said Peruzzi. Boyd’s Lucas’ favorite piece was Apamuy Shungo “because of its energy and all the exotic words we had to sing.”

 

The Junior Festival was held over two days. The first day and beginning of the second is spent rehearsing the music and building ensemble. At the conclusion of the second day, a concert was performed for families, friends, teachers, and the general public. For Leary, while the hours of rehearsing and preparation were exhausting, he said, “My time on stage was certainly worth it. During the two days I was with the rest of the chorus, I felt like I was part of something more.”

 

The festival may be finished but the effects are long lasting. “I would definitely audition for districts next year because over the course of two days together as a group, we mastered five incredible songs. Everything about it is so fun, from meeting new people to working with great conductors,” said Boyd.

 

His feelings are shared by the others too. “This was wonderful beginning for our talented young men. I look forward to seeing what else God has in store for them in the future,” said Mr. Brodeur.