On February 27th, the South Windsor High School Wind Ensemble spent the day in Boston, Massachusetts. The field trip consisted of a day packed with learning and critiques, as well as quality time with one another, enjoying some of Boston’s greatest sights.
An early morning bus ride landed the Bobcats in Boston around 10:15, where they got dropped off at Quincy Market to enjoy a quick lunch. Some popular picks from the food court were the Dalmoros fresh pasta station and items like pizza and Ramen.
Following lunch, the students hopped back on the bus to head to the clinic, where they would get the opportunity to receive feedback on one of their various pieces for the Spring Concert, Danzon No.2.
The Wind members got the opportunity to be able to work with Joe Foley, a Professor of Music at Rhode Island College. Foley is a widely known, talented trumpet player who is Principal Trumpet of the Rhode Island Philharmonic, the Portland Symphony Orchestra, and the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra.
Foley has also toured with prestigious ensembles such as the Boston Symphony, Boston pops, New York Philharmonic and the Royal Ballet of London.
Joe Foley’s passion for music felt contagious throughout the clinic as he spent a lot of time working with each section of the orchestra on specific things they could improve in their music. He broke down dynamic changes and shared tips on how to incorporate more movement into their piece.
“I really enjoyed the clinic and I thought that it was very helpful to receive feedback from someone who had never heard us play before,” SWHS senior Arushi Sharma said.
This clinic helped a great honors level band take their playing to the next level. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience for the wind members to be able to work with someone at the Boston Symphony.
“The trip was important since it was my final trip as a senior and getting to be around my friends was special,” SWHS senior Mallory Mead told The Prowl.
Following the clinic, the bus made an additional stop for dinner at Fire and Ice, an all you can eat interactive grill, before heading to their final stop of the day.
Upon arrival, students and staff were able to choose food items which would be prepared live by a cook. This interactive experience allowed students to observe the cooking process, along with the steps of food preparation. No food amount limit was clarified, so the group was able to eat their desired amount; which many took advantage of.
To close the night, the bus made a final stop at the Boston Symphony Hall where the Wind Ensemble was able to observe the Boston Symphony Youth Orchestra performing 3 polished pieces including Ives, Debussy and Mahler’s 1st Symphony.
Symphony hall is a State of The Art facility built in 1900, with architecture reflecting the Italian Renaissance. The hall is constructed entirely of brick, tile, steel and plaster making it entirely fireproof, and unique from most other buildings.
The performance was incredible, with performers ranging in age from 12-21, making the skill and technique even more impressive coming from such young individuals.
The Bobcats arrived back to the school at around 1:00 am, after a long but memorable day spent in Boston. Wind Ensemble is excited to get right back to work and incorporate their feedback from Foley into their pieces for the upcoming Spring Concert.
South Windsor students watched the performance in the gorgeous Boston Symphony Hall and soaked in all the gorgeous architecture.
