GHS hitting a high note Will host state band, chorus competition this weekend

[ Originally published on: Thursday, April 03, 2008 ]

GREENFIELD -- Greenfield schools music director Paul Calcari wore his lucky black, maroon and silver tie to work on Wednesday, as the high school's select chorus and concert band had their last few rehearsals before the upcoming state competitions on Friday and Saturday.

'You sound awesome,' said Calcari to the 19-member select chorus, which was practicing for the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductor's Association competition.

'The finest bands from throughout the entire state will be competing with nationally famous judges in attendance,' said Calcari, who has been the music director for 22 years.

Calcari said the competition is the toughest state music competition.

'It gives us validity,' he said. 'It is our SATs.'

After hours of rehearsal, nit-picking and encouragement and constructive criticism from their conductor, the two groups will put all their hard work to the test in competitions on Friday and Saturday.

Greenfield High School is one of the sites for the competition and the 45-member concert band will be performing on Friday. The event is open to public and starts at 3 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. The chorus will perform in Longmeadow on Saturday.

On Wednesday, Calcari held rehearsals for most of the morning to fine-tune and practice the band's and chorus' pieces. Each will perform three selections at the competitions.

Every group that performs is evaluated in relation to the quality, complexity and overall performance of their selected music, but not in relation to other groups. Gold medals reflect a superior performance; silver, an excellent performance; bronze, a good performance; medal of merit acknowledges a fair performance; and the participation award is reserved for ensembles who have requested comments only or for groups who have been disqualified or need improvement.

Groups that receive gold medals will receive the opportunity to perform at either the Boston Symphony Hall or the Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

Calcari said that the Boston Symphony Hall is 'one of the greatest halls in the world.' He said this opportunity is one of the only times that high school students are allowed to perform in the hall.

'It is a big deal,' he said.

Two of the chorus' pieces will be performed a cappella, which means without musical accompaniment.

The sopranos, altos, basses and tenors stood on the bleachers in the band room and harmonized as they practiced their pieces. Calcari stood in front of the group, sometimes motioning for more volume, better enunciation and a change in tempo.

Sophomore Cayla Plasse, who is a soprano in the select chorus, said she brings the music home to practice and said she is only nervous for competitions when she feels that the group isn't prepared. But, she feels ready for Saturday after all the group's hard work.

After the chorus, the concert band practiced in the auditorium. The students' eyes were locked on their sheet music for most of the rehearsal, concentrating as they practiced, but when they weren't looking at their music, their eyes were on Calcari.

Calcari stood on a platform in front of the band, with a baton in hand, conducting the group.

Again, Calcari kept things positive as he critiqued their performances.

'A lot of really good things are happening,' he yelled out.

Calcari's optimism, support and expertise are some of the many reasons why students chose to join and stay in the band and chorus groups.

'We can really rely on each other,' said Jordan Seibert, a senior trumpet player in the band.

'(Calcari) has really changed my life,' said Damien Shippee, a senior in the select chorus, who hopes to be Broadway bound.

'He is more than a teacher, he is a support system,' said Plasse. '(The chorus) is like a big family.'

Senior Ashley Brandenburg said being in the chorus and band has taught her leadership and courage.

'I have kind of learned who I am,' said Brandenburg. She said she will be attending the University of New Hampshire in the fall to study criminal justice and psychology. But, she said music will always be a part of her life.

And, for some, it is the music department that keeps them at Greenfield.

'I would not be at the school if there wasn't a music department,' said Josh Westbrook, senior tenor saxophone player.

 

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