Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Silas Coellner are pleased to share that six Old Rochester Regional Junior High School students participated in the Southeastern Massachusetts Music Educators Association Junior District Festival (SEMMEA) on March 8 and March 9.
The two-day festival was hosted at New Bedford High School. Students from the MMEA Southeastern District participated in the festival after initial auditions were held in December 2023. Family members, friends and districts’ faculty attended the festival in support of student participants.
In attendance there were five ensembles made up of approximately 375 musicians in Jazz Band, Treble Chorus, Mixed Chorus, Orchestra and Concert Band.
“We are extremely proud of every student who participated in the festival this past weekend,” Principal Coellner said. “They have spent significant time practicing and it’s great to see their hard work pay off!”
Concert band eighth-grade students Brianna Cabral (clarinet), Mara Donnelly (flute), Isabella Perez-Dormitzer (voice), Erin Root (voice), Rebecca Schaefer (trumpet) and seventh-grader Sophie Zhou (trombone) participated in rehearsals for two days before performing in a public concert.
“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and talent our musicians displayed at the recent SEMMEA Junior District Festival,” said Instrumental Music Teacher Richard Laprise. “Their hard work and commitment truly paid off with phenomenal performances that resonated with the audience. They are a shining example of the musical excellence we strive for at Old Rochester, and they represented our school with great distinction.”
“I would like to congratulate Brianna, Mara, Isabella, Erin, Rebecca and Sophie on their performances,” said Superintendent Nelson. “This is a great achievement for all involved, including our dedicated music teachers and the families of our students who have provided their support and encouragement.”
The Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) has approximately 1500 members and provides leadership in professional development, advocacy, student assessment, opportunities for students and providing a comprehensive, quality music for all students. 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.