Band & Chorus Day Introduces PHS Music Program to Middle School Students

Editor's Note: The following press release was submitted by Region 15.

Region 15 middle school music students traveled to Pomperaug High School in February to participate in Band Day and Chorus Day to learn about the PHS musical opportunities available to the eighth graders next year.

The field trip provided middle and high school students the opportunity to rehearse together. In addition, the eighth graders listened to the high school instrumental and vocal groups, and some worked with the teachers and high school students in small groups.

On February 7, members of the Memorial and Rochambeau Middle School Bands met and practiced with the PHS Band and its new Director, John Tzetzo. The middle school students were introduced to the PHS band curriculum including scheduling, time commitments, and performances. They were also treated to a performance by the PHS Symphonic Band and Drum Line.  

RMS band director Don West believes that the high school students’ informative presentation on the Life in the Career of a PHS Band Member helped answer many of the younger students’ questions and concerns about the PHS band program.

“Perhaps the most important value of the Band Day program was for the eighth grade students to experience the camaraderie, respect, and the ‘likability’ as demonstrated by the ‘family’ members of the PHS Band!” said Mr. West.

An additional opportunity for the eighth graders was Chorus Day on February 25th when the middle and high school chorus members spent the morning at Pomperaug High School singing together, under the leadership of PHS Chorus Director, Linda Hughes.

Middle school chorus teachers Samantha Mingione and Corinne Brewer escorted their chorus members to the high school. En route to the chorus room that morning, Ms. Brewer pointed out the attendance office, video studio, health office, guidance office, and career center so the students could familiarize themselves with the layout of the high school.

“The MMS students had fun and were excited about Chorus Day,” said Ms. Mingione. “Hopefully having the students visit PHS will make their first day of high school less stressful because they’ll recognize familiar faces and rooms.”

The students from Rochambeau Middle School who attended had been looking forward to the day with great anticipation but it was what happened when they returned to school that most impressed Brewer.

“After Chorus Day, many students were talking about how much fun they had, how they loved singing with the high school students, and that they were looking forward to high school. In fact, the students requested to sing the song they had learned at the high school,” said Ms. Brewer.