Korey Bruno, Westfield High School choral director
WESTFIELD – This weekend is the first of two filled with music and art created by students of all ages from pre-school to high school for the public to enjoy. “Into the Arts” kicks off on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Westfield Technical Academy auditorium with performances by the Westfield High School and Westfield Middle School jazz bands and the Highland Street Chorus.
Art work from every school in the district will be displayed at the school, including pieces from every pre-k, kindergarten, second and fourth grade student, lovingly hung by the Volunteers In Public Schools and coordinator Tina Macy, sponsors of the event. There will also be a bake sale and 50/50 raffle.
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon will be a focus on the creative arts with an interactive art demo entitled “Shadow portraits,” by WHS art teachers.
Munger Hill’s 3rd and 4th grade chorus gave a preview of their Spring Sing at last week’s School Committee meeting led by instructor Tyler Cook. (Photo submitted)
Then have your spirits uplifted by song in the great “Spring Sing,” all-district choral performances from 1 to 2 p.m.
“Every teacher gets to showcase their school or schools,” said WHS choral director Korey Bruno. Elementary third and fourth grade choruses, Westfield Intermediate School, Westfield Middle School and Westfield High School choruses will perform separately, led by Westfield’s six choral music instructors, and then combined in a 250 voice choir.
Bruno said the students will arrive between 8:15 and 9 a.m. The full chorus will rehearse at 9 a.m., then have breakout rehearsal sessions at 10 a.m. and lunch at 11 a.m. The students will take the stage at noon for the great Spring Sing from 1 to 2 p.m.
March is “Music in the Schools” month, and has been a busy one for the chorus and the band, Bruno said, beginning with junior district performances at UMass and the all-state chorus, then the St. Patrick’s Day parade and performances in many of the schools. For the choral students, this weekend is the culmination.
Next weekend, 400-500 band students from throughout the district will be performing on Saturday, March 30 in the Westfield High School gymnasium for “It’s Band-Tastic,” with practice from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the concert at 1 p.m.
All of the events at both schools are free, and sponsored by Volunteers in Public Schools. Don’t miss the chance to uplift your spirits and celebrate spring with music and art by Westfield’s youngest residents.
