The PHS Symphonic Orchestra presents its winter concert at Pomperaug High School. Its spring concert on May 19 is one of three concerts at PHS this month. (Region 15 photo)
#MIDDLEBURY #REGION15
By MARISSA MATOZZO
Three concerts in the auditorium at Pomperaug High School (PHS) in May and early June will showcase the talents of the school’s music students. Monday, May 15, at 7 p.m., The Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Singers and Jazz Band will perform. Friday, May 19, at 7 p.m., the Chorale, Symphonic Band and Orchestra will perform. Friday, June 2, at 7 p.m., the Concert Choir and Concert Band will perform
John Tzetzo, the PHS Concert, Symphonic, Marching, and Jazz Band teacher, said, “There is quite the spring feel for our performances this month! Each of our music ensembles has two annual concerts; one in the fall and one in the spring.”
PHS ensembles featuring student musicians are Concert Band, Concert Choir, Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Chorale, Jazz Band, Chamber Singers and Chamber Orchestra. They perform at different skill levels, either standard or advanced, and center around helping each student become a well-rounded musician.
The groups performing May 15, Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Singers and Jazz Band, are select ensembles that rehearse after school and perform advanced pieces. Entrance to these groups is by audition, and students are expected to learn their music at a swift pace. All members of these select groups also must take part in the PHS in-school band, orchestra and choral groups.
The Chamber Orchestra performs an advanced string repertoire that will be showcased at the concert. “Pieces for Chamber Orchestra’s spring concert will include swinging jazz, tango and improvised solos,” said Linda Hughes, the PHS Concert Choir, Chorale, Chamber Singers, Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra teacher.
The Chamber Singers will perform a variety of selections, including show tunes and a capella pieces. “Chamber Singers will perform music from the 1920s, 1960s and also pieces in which only the female students will sing and others in which only the male students will sing,” Hughes said.
Jazz Band members learn vibrant and lively music at a rapid pace. They will perform advanced jazz compositions for their portion of the concert.
The May 19 concert will feature the Chorale, Symphonic Band and Orchestra. Entrance to the Chorale or Symphonic Band is by audition, but entrance to Orchestra is not. These ensembles rehearse at PHS during school hours. Chorale and Symphonic Band work at an advanced pace while Orchestra members work at a more gradual and steady pace.
The Chorale performs a variety of different songs in multiple languages, styles and from various backgrounds. “For this concert, our Chorale will be performing one composition with our Chamber Orchestra,” said Linda Hughes. “Pianist Tim Smith will accompany our Chorale on piano.”
The Symphonic Band will feature a wide range of pieces. “Symphonic Band will perform spring festival music for this concert,” said John Tzetzo.
The Orchestra will perform contemporary incantations for their segment of the concert. “Our orchestra will perform classical, rhythmic, and contemporary pieces. There will also be violin and cello solos,” said Hughes.
The featured ensembles at the June concert will be the Concert Choir and Concert Band. These are not auditioned ensembles, but they do require a dedication to music and willingness to practice, as multiple songs must be learned in time for the two annual concerts.
Concert Choir will perform a variety of arrangements, including traditional folk songs, pop songs and contemporary pieces. Tim Smith will accompany the Concert Choir for their performance.
Concert Band will perform repertoire selected from standard literature, with some in the show or pop style, all keeping tone, intonation and balance in focus to develop members into knowledgeable and cultured music students.
“PHS music students are very passionate and dedicated,” said Hughes, “I am proud to see their accomplishments with every performance.”
These concerts are free to all, and attendance to support the school’s music program is encouraged. Refreshments will be available across the hallway from the school’s auditorium in front of the library.
You must be logged in to post a comment.