We continue to follow a whirlwind schedule of performances and activities, with one more All-Town Concert ahead of us. The All-Town Choral Concert will be held in the DHS Auditorium on Wednesday, April 13th at 7pm. Students from grades 5 to 12 will present a variety of pop, concert, jazz, and folk selections to family and friends. The concert ends with almost 300 students performing together to a packed house. Donations will be accepted at the door.
The Dedham HS Band and AVE Chorus performed at the Mass. Statehouse on April 8th at the invitation of Rep. Paul McMurtry. Students had the chance to tour the statehouse and perform several pop and patriotic selections on the Grand Staircase. This performance served as a warm up for the two groups performance at the Statue of Liberty on May 14th.
March witnessed the start of a new tradition, and an annual tribute to an influential music teacher. The All Town String Concert has become a necessity as the number of students playing violin, viola, and cello continues to increase. This concert featured students from grades 3 to 5 in a combined elementary group, the DHS after-school string group, and the middle school orchestra. Thanks to DPS teachers Jeff Daniels and Ariel Katz and the instructors from the Dedham School of Music for bringing this night together.
The following night, DMS hosted the 4th annual Don Heald Night of Jazz. Middle and High School Jazz Bands and choral groups performed in this tribute to Mr. Heald, who passed away in 2013. DHS Senior Joseph Borsellino spoke fondly of his memories of Mr. Heald, and the influence he had on Joe’s interest in music from a young age. Joe will be majoring in music at Temple University in the Fall. All proceeds from this concert were donated to the ALS Foundation in honor of Don Heald.
In early April, Dedham Middle School presented their annual musical to the community. Wizard of Oz featured a large cast and some amazing performances to tell the story of Dorothy and her journey to Oz. Thanks to students and Mr. Nadeau and Mr. Daniels for all their hard work.
Both of the DHS Winter groups finished their competitive seasons strong at the New England (NESBA) Championships. The Guard finished 3rd in Independent Class A, missing second by less than a tenth of a point.
The Percussion ensemble also finished third in their class at finals at Dartmouth HS. Thanks to the teachers and parents who helped throughout the year for providing such a great experience over the course of the season. You can see video of both groups Finals performances in the Winter Guard-Percussion category in the sidebar.