Reed Band Members Play With Westport Community Band

Thirteen sixth graders from the Reed Intermediate School band were selected to participate in the Westport Community Band’s “Play With the Community Band” project. Now in its eleventh year, the project recognizes talented middle school players and provides them the opportunity to work with adult musicians.

Thirty-nine students from five Connecticut middle schools were selected to participate in a concert that was held on May 4 at Bedford Middle School in Westport. The students learned music from Mendelssohn’s Minuet Italienne to selections from Mary Poppins and even Cajun folk songs.

Reed students participating were Lynnda DeBorja and Mareena Mallory, flutes; Jessica Gibbons, clarinet; Kelly Baylis, alto saxophone; Melissa Buccino and Danielle Chaloux, oboes; Ashley Malia, French horn; Claire Miles and Sean Sonntag, trumpets; Andrew Jensen and Liam Reynolds, trombones; and Alexa Powell, percussion. Mallory Ames was also selected but was unable to participate in the event.

The students are completing their second year of band instruction, under the direction of Bob Nolte. After the event, Mr Nolte asked the students to write down their thoughts on the experience.

“Some students like me play our instruments because we love it,” wrote Mareena Mallory. “Great experiences like playing with this group I can put on my college application and they are memories I will have forever.”