Music Warms a Winter Night

Heritage Middle School students presented their Winter Concert before a full house on Monday night. The successful concert was a testament to the students' dedication to both chorus and orchestra. 

The music program is an integral part of the curriculum at Heritage Middle School, with the performing ensembles (Band, Orchestra, and Chorus) numbering more than 300 students.  Students who elect not to perform in these ensembles are required to take classes in general music as part of the middle school cycle program.

"The study of music is a fundamental part of every child's education and enables students to fully participate in a diverse global society," said Robert Wirth, the district's K-12 Performing Arts Supervisor. "The study of music helps children understand their own cultural heritage and those of others within their community and beyond." 

Wirth opined, "In these hard financial times, it is heartening to be a part of community and school system that fully supports and appreciates arts education." 

Clearly, Principal Patricia Boland;  Kristin Zarzycki-Pelletier, the chorus conducter; and Karin Kott, the orchestra conducter, have set the stage for music appreciation. .

The Winter Concert featured seventh and eighth graders who have dedicated their early mornings to the chorus or the orchestra under the guidance and teaching of Zarzycki-Pelletier and Kott.

The concert started with the 89-member seventh grade Chorus singing Jambo, Karibu kwa Afrika; Peace Canon; and Old Joe Clark conducted by Zarzycki-Pelletier. 

Next, the combined 96-member seventh and eighth grade Orchestra performed Mythos; Menuetto; Polovetzian Dance; and Fanfare in D conducted by Kott.  

Continuing to alternate between chorus and orchestra, the Select Chorus performed Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy followed by the Select Orchestra's performance of  Allegro in G.

The night concluded, appropriately enough, with the 40-member eighth grade Chorus singing How Can I Stop Singing My Song; Ahrirang; and Winter Wonderland.