Michael F. Devine, Superintendent
180 Harborview Road
Hull, MA 02045
For Immediate Release
Monday, May 6, 2019
Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: jessica@jgpr.net
Hull Public Schools Hold Seventh Annual Family Band Night
HULL — Musicians throughout Hull Public Schools recently showcased their talents during the seventh annual Family Band Night.
On Tuesday, April 23, 130 musicians in elementary, middle and high school performed for parents, friends and community members in the Hull High School gymnasium. The event was held in celebration of Music In Our Schools Month (March) and Jazz Appreciation Month (April).
“Traditionally the event is held at the middle school, but given the growth of the music departments this year, we had to move to a larger venue,” Memorial Middle School Principal Anthony Hrivnak said. “This is the largest enrollment we’ve seen in the Hull Public Schools’ instrumental program in recent history, and students were thrilled to perform everything they’ve been working on all year for audience members. The night was a great success, kicking off what is aptly named concert season by musicians everywhere.”
Five musical ensembles performed one musical selection each, beginning with the middle school and the high school jazz bands. The middle school jazz band performed a Latin piece titled “Chili Pepper 101,” which featured a number of soloists, some of which were improvised on the spot.
The high school jazz band performed a swing chart called “Big Bertha” that included numerous improvised solos.
“Jazz, being one of the first American genres of music and largely based on improvising melodies, is a fantastic way to blend creativity and culture through performance,” Principal Hrivnak said.
Following the jazz ensembles, the sixth grade band debuted their first performance of traditional concert band music with “Rhythm X.”
The middle school concert band continued the evening with their performance of “Jefferson County Overture.” The high school band then followed with a medley of songs from the musical “Les Miserables,” which received a thunderous standing ovation.
The evening concluded with all 130 students performing the classic hit from nearly 41 years ago, “Old Time Rock and Roll,” by Bob Seger.
Community members who missed Family Band Night can catch the middle and high schools band programs at their respective spring concerts in May.
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