After two successful competitions, the Old Hammondtown School bands and chorus wrapped up the year on Wednesday with a concert for family and friends.

Looking back, music teacher Emily LaFleur, who is new to the school, says she’s appreciated how dedicated her students are to music.

“These kids are really into it,” said LaFleur. “It’s been really eye-opening, the talent that’s here, and the interest and willingness to work towards something.”

Beginning the year with a new leader meant a period of adjustment for students and LaFleur, who previously taught in Maine.

“Having a new director this year makes things a little tricky as you start out,” she said. “It takes a little bit of work to start to get comfortable with someone else.”

Practicing together often helped them bond and work together well.

“We’ve really come together towards the end of the year,” said LaFleur.

Keeping with the school’s tradition, LaFleur took the concert band to the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association competition in April where the students received a bronze medal.

In May, the jazz band attended a competition with the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education and got the highest reward for their playing, a gold medal.

“The jazz band in particular has a lot of outstanding sixth graders this year,” LaFleur said.

Over the course of the school year, LaFleur said she has seen her students mature, from the new players in the fourth grade band to the chorus.

The students enjoy the music and are happy to try out harder pieces, she said.

They also like to have fun. At Wednesday’s concert, the chorus’ lineup included the popular song “Happy” from Pharrell Williams.

“The kids here are amazing,” said LaFleur.