There’s music in the air at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School thanks to a collaborative project with a renowned international composer made possible by a $3,000 grant awarded by the Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation.
During the 2024-25 school year, the Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation awarded a $3,000 grant to support the music project known as “Sounds of the Tri-Town,” involving instrumentalists from grades 5-8 under the guidance of internationally renowned composer Kevin Krumenauer.
The project resulted in a completed work called “Celestial Sway” that was performed by the school concert band in spring 2025, with the song now becoming part of the district’s permanent music library, available for performance in future years.
“Sounds of the Tri-Town” was the result of a $3,000 grant awarded by the Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation to Old Rochester Regional Junior High School music teacher Richard Laprise. In addition to the musicians from Old Rochester Junior High School, elementary school students were also involved in the project, with the help of Old Hammondtown School teacher Alan Sweet, Rochester Memorial School teacher Kaitlyn Laprise and Sippican School teacher Hannah Moore.
“A lasting and anticipated result of this project was the strong sense of ownership students felt over ‘Celestial Sway,'” said music teacher Richard Laprise. “Because it was written specifically for them, many students reported it was their favorite piece of the year.”
Through virtual sessions, Krumenauer engaged with more than 200 student musicians. This collaborative project with the guest composer built upon the district’s ongoing commitment to excellence in music education, which has contributed to Old Rochester Regional’s repeated recognition by the NAMM Foundation as a Best Community for Music Education.
The Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 are pleased to share this story and the outcome of a total of more than $9,400 in private grants provided by the nonprofit Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation for the 2024-25 school year.
The Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund is a growing endowment under the umbrella of the SouthCoast Community Foundation. Supported by community donors, the fund helps educators pursue innovative, high-quality learning experiences for students throughout Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester.
This is the fifth in a series of articles describing the impact of grants awarded by the Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund to support innovative teaching and student enrichment across the Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55.
Early Childhood Coordinator Doreen Lopes said the project strengthens student creativity, collaboration, and pride.
“This collaboration gives our young musicians the extraordinary opportunity to help shape a piece of music that they and future students will perform for years to come,” Lopes said. “Experiences like this inspire students, honor their creativity, and reinforce the vibrant role of music in our schools. Thank you to the Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund for making this all possible.”
Superintendent Michael S. Nelson said the grant highlights the strong cultural and educational identity of the Tri-Town communities.
“Our music programs are a point of great pride across the Tri-Town,” Superintendent Nelson said. “This project not only enriches student learning but also contributes to a long legacy of musical excellence that our schools are known for. We are grateful to the Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund for supporting this impactful and lasting work.”
To support future grant-funded programs like this one, community members are encouraged to donate to the Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund. Please go to the Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund donation page: cfsema.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1304.