The school band took top honors in two categories: outstanding overall instrumental program and as the highest scoring ensemble, and the chorus won a Spirit of Orlando award.
Belchertown High School music students practicing with their teachers during a recent rehearsal are, from left, Samuel Scudere-Weiss, instrumental director Lyndsay O. Boysen, Skelar Whitehead, Bryanna Pacheco, Grace Campbell, choir director Susan Comstock and Emily Pope. BELCHERTOWN - The music program at Belchertown High School received some southern exposure recently and came home a winner.
An April field trip to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida was edifying, fun and, for the high school singers and instrumentalists, a chance to shine on a large stage.
The school band took top honors in two categories: outstanding overall instrumental program and as the highest scoring ensemble. They performed music by the Gordon Jacobs, “An Original Suite,” and Percy Grainger’s “Australian Upcountry Tune.”
“They worked very very hard,” said the school’s instrumental director, Lyndsay O. Boysen. “They gave a fantastic performance.”
The chorus won a Spirit of Orlando award after singing “Bonse Aba,” by Victor Johnson, “Et In Terra Pax,” by Greg Gilpin, and “The Last Blue Rose,” co-written by Vicki Courtney and John Parker.
The school choir is directed by Susan Comstock, a 24-year veteran of the Belchertown school system. She said “Blue Rose” is “my students’ favorite” choral work.
“It was cool to see how popular we were; people from everywhere were able to watch us,” said sophomore Bryanna Pacheco, 16, a baritone horn player with the Belchertown High School Concert Band.
“One of the coolest moments was while we were marching in the parade, seeing the Cinderella Castle all lit up at night,” said trumpet player Samuel Scudere-Weiss. “It was a great opportunity. Most schools don’t get to go to Disneyland to perform music with all their friends.”
In addition to the concert band, Boysen also leads two percussion ensembles, a wind ensemble and the symphony band. Three of her students were selected for the All-State band or orchestra following competitive auditions, one of the highest honors possible for a high school musician.
Also, 17 band members earned berths with the western district band and orchestra earlier this year. Four of Comstock’s singers were selected for the western district chorus.