Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Michael S. Nelson is proud to share that the district’s musicians have showcased their talent in another successful band and choral performance series.
The Friends of Old Rochester Music (F.O.R.M.) Scholarship Concerts, hosted in the Old Rochester Regional High School gymnasium, featured the districts’ choirs on March 5 and bands on March 12. Both concerts featured students from all five schools across the districts, including Old Hammondtown, Rochester Memorial, Sippican, Old Rochester Regional Junior High School and Old Rochester Regional High School.
The schools’ choirs sang a total of 15 songs during the March 7 concert, including “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers and “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors. The five school bands and the Old Rochester Concert Band played a total of 14 songs during the March 12 concert, including “Roar” by Katy Perry and “In Darkest Night” by Barry Kopetz.
“This collaborative concert is a massive undertaking, and I want to recognize our talented musicians and instructors for their efforts to put on yet another incredible show,” Superintendent Nelson said. “I also thank F.O.R.M. for all the vital support they give arts throughout our districts.”
Superintendent Nelson also expressed his gratitude to Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 staff for their tireless work in directing the concert; Richard Laprise, Angie Vaughn, Pedro Silva, Brent Alger, Susan Audette, Sarah Leahy, Kaitlin Laprise, Hannah Moore and Patricia Richard.
Sharlene Fedorowicz, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the district added, “It is wonderful to see our music programs so beloved by students as they participate in another terrific performance.”
F.O.R.M. started in 1983 as a nonprofit volunteer organization that supports music programs of the districts. The organization works alongside the local community to fundraise for performance opportunities and purchase instruments, equipment, supplies and transportation to special events beyond the districts’ given budgets.
For 41 years, F.O.R.M. has also awarded scholarships to high school seniors in recognition of their commitment to the arts. The Class of 2023 scholarship recipients included David Costa, Mason Hanks, Sakurako Huynh-Aoyama, Nicole Londergan, Drew MacGregor and Andrew Poulin.
“The F.O.R.M. concert is always a heartwarming event and this year’s choral show was no exception,” said Old Rochester Regional High School Assistant Principal Vanessa Harvey. “Personally, my favorite part of the concert was the traditional closing song where all performers district-wide came together to sing. The unifying event makes me proud to be a part of a district that embraces the arts so strongly for students of all ages.”
Additionally this spring, the ORRHS Night of Jazz will take place April 9, the ORRHS Spring Concert will take place May 8 and the ORRJHS Spring Concert will be held May 29. All events will begin at 6:30 pm.