ENFIELD — Superintendent Amanda Isabelle and Director of Music Amy Morse are pleased to report that five Mascoma Valley Regional High School students shared their musical talents during the recent All New England Choral Festival at Plymouth State University.
Joseph Burris, Alicia Campbell, Shoshawna Charles, Hannah Gove, and Gillian Lenihan were among more than 100 students selected to participate. Music teachers across New England nominated students for this honor.
The concert, titled “Within Us,” featured music from several cultures, and text in Swahili, Hindu, Spanish, and English.
The Mascoma students prepared for the concert with Director Morse for several weeks.
On the day of the concert, students worked with Harmony Markey, Program Coordinator for Music Education at Plymouth State.
Students performed at Hanaway Theatre in the Silver Cultural Arts Center on the Plymouth State campus. They were accompanied by the members of the Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra String Quartet, Plymouth State student Zi Liang, and several Plymouth State percussionists.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona offered opening remarks, stressing the importance of music in education. Secretary Cardona shared that music creates a sense of community and belonging, which is essential at a time when the nation needs more kindness and unity.
Lenihan was selected by audition as the soloist to open the choirs portion of the concert. She sang “Baba Yetu,” which is the Lord’s Prayer in Swahili.
Hip-hop recording artist Marco Giannozzi also performed an original piece with the chorus.
“It was energizing and uplifting for all of us to hear Secretary Cardona highlight the importance of music education,” Director Morse said. “I am very proud of my students and the work that they have done and continue to do every day to bring the joy of music to our community.”