The Carver Middle High School’s instrumentalists and vocalists delighted an auditorium filled with family and friends at their recently held annual spring concert. Before the musicians took the stage, CMHS Principal Scott Knief welcomed the audience and took a moment to recognize several graduating seniors for being such strong leaders in their school and community. The Concert Band then opened the show with three fantastic numbers including “Fanfare for the Common Man,” “Flight of the Piasa,” and “Mars.” With the crowd warmed up, CMHS Band Director Jeremy Teunis introduced talented saxophonist Ben Bonenfant who performed a remarkable rendition of “Sonata III – Allegro Vivace” accompanied by pianist Shu‐Hui Chen Teunis. The Concert Chorus, led by Choral Director Nicole Sjolin, followed Ben and showcased their powerful pipes as they sang, “Bring Me Little Water, Sylvie,” featuring the smooth vocals of Megan Giles, Jamie Flood, and Jill Place and “All the Pretty Little Horses.” Before they sang their next number, “Arise, Beloved!” Ms. Sjolin pointed out that it was one of the most difficult pieces that she has ever tried with high school vocalists, indicating the confidence that she has in her students’ abilities. She also thanked senior Allie Guimaraes for making her job a lot easier by accompanying the chorus on the piano. Their last number, “Rhythm of Life,” required four hands on the piano, a role easily filled when accomplished pianist, Ben Bonenfant (yes, he plays the piano too) joined Allie on the ivory keys. During a brief intermission, several trophies were presented to this year’s S.E.M.S.B.A. (Southeastern Massachusetts School Bandmasters Association) and District Festival participants as well as to Carver’s only All State Festival participant, clarinetist Casey Armanetti. The Music Boosters also announced the winners of several raffle baskets and gift certificates that were generously donated by local businesses and family members of the students on stage. Before the show resumed, Mr. Teunis surprised three “graduating” Music Booster officers, Julie Hildebrandt, Liv Guimaraes, and Linda Armanetti with plaques of recognition and thanks for their years of service in support of Carver’s music program. After intermission, the Symphonic Band entertained the crowd with polished performances of “One Thousand Cranes” and “Espana Cani” followed by the Honors Chorus who beautifully sang “Rest,” a special request from senior vocalist, Matt Chasey. As the audience applauded, Matt was clearly delighted as he mouthed the word “thanks” to Ms. Sjolin for making his wish come true. The Acappella Ensemble rounded out the vocalists’ portion of the show with two terrific numbers, “Barton Hollow” featuring soloists Tristan Marshall, Tori Berry, Katherine Hildebrandt, and Gabby Adams, and “Four‐Chord Song,” a fun piece humorously introduced by drama veterans Matt Chasey and Nathaniel Singer. The Jazz Ensemble closed out the show with one of the earliest beebop tunes, “Now’s the Time” showcasing Sam Reed on the guitar, a Big Band Era song entitled “In a Mellow Tone,” featuring clarinetist Casey Armanetti and trombonist Josh Goodman, and a famous Herbie Hancock number, “Chameleon” with a solo by trumpeter Allie Guimaraes (yes, she plays the trumpet too) which had the audience dancing in their seats. This evening would not have been possible without the combined support of the dedicated CMHS music faculty, the music students, their parents, and the Music Boosters. Special thanks also go out to pianist Shu‐Hui Chen Teunis, Gary Sjolin for his expertise in handling the sound system and recording, photographer Bruce Skinner, Superintendent Elizabeth Sorrell, Principal Scott Knief, Assistant Principals Jonathan Evans and Christine Cabral, Facilities Director David Siedentopf, and the custodial staff. If you missed the concert, please check out photos at carvermusicboosters.org or hyperion.bruceskinner.com and mark your calendars for three more concerts: June 4th, Elementary School Concert at 6:30pm; June 5th, Middle School Choral Concert at 7pm; and June 10th, Middle School Instrumental Concert at 7pm. All concerts are held in the CMHS auditorium and coast $2.00 with a $10.00 family cap. Plan to come early so you’ll have time to bid on the awesome raffle items!
