Morristown High School heard a rare sound on Thursday:
Music.
The MHS Spectrum Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble performed for family and friends on the school practice field. Aside from one marching band performance at a football game, students said, it was the first live concert at MHS since the pandemic struck in March 2020.
“It just feels amazing to be able to do this again,” said sophomore Sam Scott, a tubist in the symphony.
On a shirt-sleeves evening, 135 students performed a program that ranged from Benny Carter to Gustav Holst to themes from Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Wars.
“Tonight’s really the first time that all the bands are playing together,” said David Gallagher, director of bands. He described the feeling as “absolutely incredible.”
While there were a couple of rehearsals, with social distancing and bell covers on the brass instruments, some students had been unable to attend, Gallagher explained. So Thursday was a test of sorts, a tribute to musical muscle memory for kids who mostly have been limited to virtual sessions, and practice in their basements and living rooms.
Slideshow photos by Kevin Coughlin. Click/hover on images for captions:
These also have been challenging times for the Maroon and White Music Boosters, the fund-raising arm for MHS music.
“It really is exciting to be outside and to see everyone and to just kind of feel like a community, together,” said Boosters co-president Carolyn Eriksen, whose daughter Charlotte, a sophomore, plays sax.
Co-president Maria Samms, whose son Anthony, also a sophomore, plays piano and trumpet, is keeping her fingers crossed for the program’s future. COVID-19 curtailed music instruction in the elementary grades.
“We’re hoping that the music program continues strong. But it might be difficult now that the younger kids aren’t in band and didn’t take it this year,” said Samms, who volunteered at the merchandise table on Thursday.
Percussionist Zion Baitey, a sophomore, was just thrilled for a chance to play in real time, before a real live audience.
“It came out a lot better than I expected. It really all came together today,” he said.
