(L to R) Leila Smee, Ultraviolet Gates, Alice Gamache and Leo Ellsworth.

Four students to play in Eastern District Music Festival; Two Students Also Selected to Perform at MMEA Annual All–State Concert

Somerville High School students are representing SHS and the Somerville Public Schools at the state level, thanks to the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA). In November 2022, student musicians auditioned successfully to participate in the MMEA Eastern District Music Festival. In January, four SHS students joined students from 30 cities and towns across the state to rehearse with master clinicians and perform a beautiful yet challenging repertoire. Representing SHS were Leila Smee (chosen for Orchestra), Ultraviolet Gates and Leo Ellsworth (chosen for Band), and Alice Gamache (chosen for Chorus).

In addition, two of the SHS student musicians scored high enough to qualify to audition to join the All-State Ensemble. Clarinetist Ultraviolet successfully auditioned to play with the All-State Band. Alice will sing Alto 2 in the All-State Chorus. The students will perform in the MMEA All-State Concert on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Boston Symphony Hall.

“Somerville High School Music and Theatre Department is fortunate to have some of the most talented students in the region,” said Somerville Public Schools’ Supervisor of Music and Theatre Arts, Beverly J. Mosby. “We are so very proud of our students and their teachers who spend extra time to prepare them. A very special thank you goes to [Somerville Public Schools Band Teacher] Rosemary Sears and the parents who facilitated both auditions.”

The SPS Music Department offers music instruction at all schools starting in preschool. Free instrument instruction begins in grades 3 and 4. The music department coordinates inexpensive instrument rental opportunities through outside vendors for students and students unable to afford instruments are provided with school-owned instruments. Somerville also boasts the innovative El Sistema afterschool music program at the East Somerville Community School, middle grades district-wide chorus, band, and orchestra. Somerville High School prides itself on meeting the needs of all of its students. 

Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA), a subsidiary of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), is a state-wide non-profit organization of over 1500 members. They seek to support comprehensive, quality music education for all students, through advocacy, professional development, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

— Somerville Public Schools