On the Thursday and Friday before break, November 16th and 17th, music students from schools in the greater Winooski Valley district gathered to perform at Harwood Union High School. Students from Harwood, U32, Spaulding, Montpelier, Northfield, Oxbow, White River Valley, Randolph, and Twinfield performed in the three groups: the band, chorus, and the orchestra.
The band was directed by Anne Severy, an exemplary music director who, before retiring, worked at Middlebury High School for 40 years. Severy chose three pieces for the band to play. Starting with “Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite” by Karl L. King, then “You’ll be Back” from the musical Hamilton which was written by Lin Manuel Miranda, and with a grand finale of three movements from “The Planets” a suite by Gustav Holst.
Chorus was directed by the former Harwood chorus teacher Stephanie Weigand, who now directs the non profit organization Music-COMP. Chorus sang four pieces, the first was “Music of Life” which was composed by B.E. Boykin. Second they sang “Turlutte Acadienne Montréalaise” by Marie-Claire Saindon, then “Do Not Stand and Weep” by Greg Gilpin. They finished with “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers and Skip Scarborough.
The orchestra was directed by Matt LaRocca, a composer, performer, and educator. He is the artistic advisor and project conductor of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. The Winooski Valley Orchestra this year started their performance with the famous “Gymnopedie No. 1” composed by Erik Satie, then they played “Tipping the Scales,” by Premiere by the Croutons, then they finished with “The Strummin’ Waubonsies” by Tracy Silverman.
The event went on for two days, with students devoting their entire day to practicing for the performance. As a member of the band, I can contest, it was hard work. There were a total of 123 students involved, with 59 students in the band, 56 students in the chorus, and 8 students in orchestra.
The final performance was on Friday the 17th at 7:00pm. The crowd filled Harwood’s auditorium made up of parents, students, and community members.
The Winooski Valley Music Festival is an event that happens annually. So for prospective music students: consider applying and auditioning! For everyone else this is a fun opportunity to support your local music departments!
