Students show their skills in district-wide music concerts

MATTAPOISETT — Old Rochester Regional High School was filled with the sound of music for two concerts on March 7 and March 14.

The Friends of Old Rochester Music Scholarship concerts brought together students from five schools across the district including Old Hammondtown Elementary School, Rochester Memorial School, Sippican School, Old Rochester Regional High School and Junior High School.

Chorus students sang 17 songs during their March 7 concert, including “Memories” by Maroon 5 and Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing.”

The five school bands and the Old Rochester Concert Band played 16 songs during the instrumental concert on March 14, including “Smoke on the Water” and “Go Tell It On The Mountain.” The finale of the instrumental concert featured all students playing "You're a Grand Old Flag" together.

“Our districts’ musicians are extremely talented and dedicated to their music, and they put on a terrific performance each year,” said Old Rochester Regional Junior High School Principal Silas Coellner. “We are very proud of all the band and choir students who participated.”

“A big congratulations to our student musicians and music instructors on their hard work and wonderful performances at both concerts,” said Old Rochester Regional School District Superintendent Mike Nelson said. “I would also like to congratulate the seniors who were recognized during this year’s events.”

The Friends of Old Rochester Music came about in 1983 as a non-profit volunteer organization that supports music programs in Tri-Town schools.

The organization works alongside the local community to fundraise for performance opportunities, purchase instruments, equipment, supplies and transportation to special events beyond the schools’ given budgets.

Since 1983, F.O.R.M. has also awarded scholarships to seniors in recognition of their commitment to the music department.

The Class of 2022 recipients included: Christopher Bell, Alice DeCicco-Carey, Emily DellaCioppa, Isabella Correia, Caleb DeVoe, Edward Gonet IV, Spencer Merolla, Benjamin Preece-Santos, Charles Richards and Kinsley Trout.

“We would like to thank all of our community members who came out to enjoy the two performances this year,” said Old Hammondtown Principal Kevin Tavares. “Our schools’ musical performances are a long-standing tradition in our community, and we appreciate the community’s support of our musicians each year.”