Mariah Girouard, from West Springfield High School, was the state runner-up in a speech contest held as part of the convention.
SPRINGFIELD — The annual three day Massachusetts Lions Convention, held in Mansfield, was attended by more than 350 lions. In addition to business meetings, a state speech contest was held where five students spoke on “What is the Power of Just One.” Mariah Girouard, from West Springfield High School, was the state runner-up. The winner was Michael Middleton, of Bridgewater.
The highlight of the convention was the Lions All-State Band. Ninety-two of the finest high school musicians from all over the state gathered for four days and rehearsed a great program.
The first part featured 15 musicians playing in a jazz band under the direction of Rob Wheeler. Their program included music from classic decades of jazz, including “Groovin’ Hard,” “Tuxedo Junction,” “Blue Train,” “In the Mood,” “Mercy, Mercy” and “Harlem Nocturne.”
The second part was the concert band conducted by Paul Alberta, a renowned musician on the board of the Boston Conservatory of Music. The program included “The Mass Lions March,” “1812 Overture,” “Armed Forces Salute” and the famous John Philip Sousa march “Stars & Stripes Forever,” featuring the famous piccolo solos.
Six musicians from the Springfield High School of Science & Technology Band, under the direction of Gary Bernice, were co-sponsored by the 16 Acres Lions Club to participate in the convention. Bernice said the All-State Band is a great experience for students to play in a large concert band and to keep their interest in music. In the past, several of the participants have gone on to study music at college.