MATTAPOISETT — On May 8, Old Rochester Regional High School hosted its final instrumental and band concert of the year, showcasing the work a highly praised music program, and highlighting the contributions of individual seniors. 

Old Rochester Regional High School Music Director, Michael Barnicle presented awards to 4 outstanding seniors. Mariana Hebert won the National School Chorus Award, Victoria Kvilhaug won the John Philip Sousa Band Award, William Garcia got the Louis Armstrong Jazz Band Award, and Janey Rego the Stan Ellis Jazz Award.  Kvilhaug and Garcia also got the Music Director’s Awards for this year. 

The Chorus, Jazz Band, Concert Band and A Capella musicians participated in the concert. The ORRHS Senior Class musicians traditionally sport red boutonnières.

The music program achieved several distinctions this school year including the NAMM Foundation Award, which recognized the entire ORR School District as one of the best districts in the country for music education. Other awards included group and individual performance recognitions awarded on an April trip to Nashville. The high school band and chorus were awarded ratings of “Excellent,” and Chorus accoompanist, Mason Tucker, was recognized as an “Outstanding Accompanist.”

The President of F.O.R.M. (Friends of Old Rochester Music) Kathleen Kvilhaug, briefly addressed the concert’s audience, saying that volunteers are always needed to help at ORR High School and Junior High School concerts by handing out concert programs and flyers. "We plan fundraising events (Concert Program Advertisers and Sponsorships, Caroling at Kenny's, Mini-Golf, Brunch at The Inn and F.O.R.M. Choral and Instrumental Concerts) that bring our music students out into the community to perform. By removing from the music classroom the distraction of selling merchandise, our students can focus on music." Kvilhaug asked parents to consider getting involved. "Please join us at the next meeting and learn about the many ways you can make a difference."