Winter School District Concerts Continue

By Eliza Hallabeck

Winter concerts in Newtown mean a busy period of the school year for Michelle Hiscavitch, head of the Newtown Schools Music Department, and Ms Hiscavitch said recently all of the concerts have been “fantastic.”

“I see a lot of excitement in the students as they perform,” said Ms Hiscavitch, “and parents seem really excited, too.”

The winter concert season began on December 6, when the Newtown High School Band/Orchestra played at the school. The NHS Chorus took the stage the following night, December 7. Since then, the Newtown Middle School grade level concerts have been performed, Head O’ Meadow’s school chorus has presented its winter concert, and Sandy Hook School’s chorus traveled to the high school to sing.

Roughly halfway through the winter concert season, Ms Hiscavitch said there is a marked difference between past winter concerts in the district.

“The level of ability has risen,” she said, noting a wide variety of songs and multicultural performances. She also said students seem to be responding to the district’s drive to emphasize its mission statement, “To inspire each student to excel.”

Remaining concerts in the season are Reed Intermediate School Fifth Grade Global Music and Orchestra’s performance, Monday, January 10, at 7 pm; snow date January 24.

Reed Intermediate School Sixth Grade Global Music and Orchestra, Tuesday, January 11, at 7 pm; snow date January 25.

The Hawley Elementary School Chorus, Wednesday, January 12, at 7 pm; snow date January 18. Middle Gate Elementary School Chorus, Thursday, January 13 at Newtown Middle School at 7 pm; snow date January 18.

Reed Intermediate School Blue House Sixth Grade Band, 7 pm on Wednesday, January 19, and Reed’s Green House Sixth Grade Band at 8 pm. Snow date, January 26.

Reed Intermediate School’s Blue House Fifth Grade Band, 7 pm on Thursday, January 20, and Reed’s Green House Sixth Grade Band at 8 pm. Snow date, January 27.

The Newtown High School Singer’s Annual Madrigal Feaste will run from 7 until 10 pm at Stony Hill Inn, 50 Stony Hill Road in Bethel, on January 22. For tickets to this event and more information, e-mail Madrigaltix@aol.com. (For further information on the Madrigal Feaste see the related story in this week’s edition.)