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03/24/2023 07:29 AM

Multiple Grades Join in North Branford School Concerts


During recent performances at North Branford auditorium, not only were the talents of choral and band students on display, but the spirit of collaboration and community were also on display as teachers and students from Jerome Harrison Elementary School, Totoket Valley Elementary School, North Branford Intermediate School, and North Branford High School performed together. Photo from North Branford Public Schools

Press Release, North Branford Public Schools

During recent performances at North Branford auditorium, not only were the talents of choral and band students on display, but the spirit of collaboration and community were also on display as teachers and students from Jerome Harrison Elementary School, Totoket Valley Elementary School, North Branford Intermediate School, and North Branford High School performed together. Photo from North Branford Public Schools
During recent performances at North Branford auditorium, not only were the talents of choral and band students on display, but the spirit of collaboration and community were also on display as teachers and students from Jerome Harrison Elementary School, Totoket Valley Elementary School, North Branford Intermediate School, and North Branford High School performed together. Photo from North Branford Public Schools
During recent performances at North Branford auditorium, not only were the talents of choral and band students on display, but the spirit of collaboration and community were also on display as teachers and students from Jerome Harrison Elementary School, Totoket Valley Elementary School, North Branford Intermediate School, and North Branford High School performed together. Photo from North Branford Public Schools

Over the past two weeks, the incredible musical talents of our students were on display in the North Branford Auditorium. Not only were the talents of choral and band students on display, but the spirit of collaboration and community were also on display as teachers and students from Jerome Harrison Elementary School (JHS), Totoket Valley Elementary School (TVES), North Branford Intermediate School (NBIS), and North Branford High School (NBHS) performed together.

Families and audience members were treated to spirited music and also that collective T-Bird spirit as all worked collaboratively and with care as they sang and played together.

First up on March 15 was the 2023 Band Spectrum Concert. The event featured instrumental musicians in grades 5 through12. An astonishing 115 students from across the district were involved. The students played a variety of music, including well known band classics and modern popular songs.

The students performing were also members of the audience when not on stage, and expressed their enthusiasm for seeing their peers in other grades truly displaying that sense of community that is a hallmark of North Branford.

In addition, the 5th grade, 8th grade, and NBHS students performed a joint number at the end of the concert of "Everything is Awesome" with the message of "everything is cool when you're part of a team". This piece said it all, the important part of the district approach and music program to connect all through the power and teamwork of music!

A special thank you to NBHS teacher Maria Berte, TVES teacher Jill Rizzo-Flower, and NBIS teacher Meredith Zoll for their efforts in creating such a successful concert program.

Next, on March 22, was the Choral Spectrum Concert. There were an incredible 160 students involved in this event as well. The choirs from JHS, TVES, NBIS and NBHS sang a wide range of uplifting and challenging repertoire, including impressive soloists. The audience was enthusiastic and provided several standing ovations. The highlight of the night was the finale performance of "Green", a spirited spring-themed piece.

A special thank you to NBIS teacher Jaci Giammattei, NBHS teacher Nick Filippides, TVES teacher Jill Rizzo-Flower, and JHS teacher Linda Franklin-Biggs for their efforts in creating such a successful choral program. Just like the band performance, this was a truly enjoyable occasion that brought the North Branford community together through the beauty of music.

“We are so proud of this event and all it represents for our students and staff working together,” said Carter Welch, Ed.D., Director of Curriculum and Instruction for North Branford Public Schools.

The program also gives special thank you and congratulations to K-12 Music Coordinator Meredith Zoll, who continues to lead and inspire our teachers and students across the district. There is no doubt music is indeed alive in North Branford.