Page 18 - JUNE2024

Page 18
Community
By leslie sanDeRson
A year ago, I reported that the New Hampshire Music Festival’s musicians and local supporters saved the 70-year-old institution to triumph with its 71st season of chamber and orchestra concerts, performed at Plymouth State University’s Silver Center, Gilford Community Church, and the Leb- anon Opera House. Seventeen local families hosted musicians.
Since then, musicians Joe Higgins and Tido Janssen have remained energetic volunteer Co-Executive Directors, and Erin Brooker-Miller has been recruited as part-time Festival Director. “We are deeply grateful for the commu- nity’s support and generosity,” says Janssen, “and we do our best to bring quality music to the heart of New Hampshire.”
This summer, the Festival will expand to four weeks and more communities! Committees of mu- sicians and community volunteers have been planning, and obtain- ing the resources needed to bring American musicians to Plymouth for an exciting 72nd season. Festi- val musicians, some of whom have been performing here for 20+ years, represent 27 orchestras, 18 university music schools, and 14
NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM
June 2024
New Hampshire Music Festival
chamber music ensembles, and have successful careers as soloists, freelance musicians, high school conservatory teachers, and private instructors.
We are incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to hear such talent. The bonus is that the music comes to us, right here in Plymouth. The Festival rivals - even surpasses - major city symphonies without the hassle of huge venues and parking.
Season 72’s theme is: Founda- tions - Honoring the Classics, Ex- ploring the New. The following brief preview will surely pique your interest.
CLASSIC SERIES All at 7:00 pm
Week 1: MIDSUMMER SERENADE
July 11 at the Silver Center, July 12 at Gilford Community Church.
String orchestra splendor - Grieg’s elegant Holberg Suite, Larsson’s delightful Concertina for Trombone and Strings, Walker’s ten- der Lyric for Strings, and Dvorak’s joyful String Serenade.
Week 2: BEAUTIES & BEASTS
July 18 at the Silver Cen- ter, July 19 at Lebanon Opera House.
Depths of imagination and
olin Concerto No 2, and Elgar’s iconic Enigma Variations.
Week 4: FOR THE PEOPLE August 1, at the Silver Center. The resilience and spirit of hu- manity - Copland’s grand Fanfare for the Common Man, Hailstork’s poignant Epitaph for a Man Who Dreamed, Kraft’s evocative Kennedy Portrait, and Beethoven’s trium-
NHMF.org for upcoming details. FREE CONCERTS
Check NHMF.org for informa-
tion about its 2024 free concerts. The Festival has performed at venues such as Taylor Community in Laconia and West Rattlesnake Mountain in Holderness in the past.
If you haven’t yet treated your- self to this quintessentially New Hampshire tradition, rush to NHMF.org to get tickets for you, your friends, and your family. And if you are a ticket holder, congrat- ulate yourself for discovering this treasure and get ready to immerse yourself in New Hampshire’s only summer classical music festival.
Go to NHMF.org:
- For the 2024 Season schedule, click Our 2024 Season
- For tickets, click Tickets
- To become a Member of the NH Music Festival, click Support
- To donate, click Support or mail a check to NHMF at P.O. Box 64, Plymouth, NH 03264.
- To receive the Festival’s news and announcements, click Contact Us. Or, contact Board President, Brenda Conklin, at 603-738-6873 or brendaconklin@hotmail.com for information, to volunteer and/ or to host a musician.
emotion - Texu Kim’s playful Blow, Fly, Pop!!, Shostakovich’s haunting Cello Concerto No 1, Ravel’s magical Mother Goose Suite, and Mozart’s majestic Symphony 29.
Week 3: REMEMBER ME
July 25 at the Silver Center and July 26 at Colby Sawyer College’s Sawyer Center.
Exploration of memory and emotion - Higdon’s ethereal Blue Cahtedral, Prokofiev’s passionate Vi-
phant Symphony No 3 Eroica, led by beloved NHMF Conductor Lau- reate Paul Polivnick and featuring Tom Reicher as narrator.
CHAMBER SERIES All at 7:00 pm
The Festival will present four chamber concerts at Smith Recital Hall in the Silver Center on Tues- days, July 9, 16, 23 and 30 (general seating). The musicians will select and curate the repertoire. Check
Beyond the Classroom: Senior Project Distinction Honors
By BRittany amalfi
OnMay15th,from2to4 PM, Newfound Regional High School hosted its unique and highly anticipated Senior Project Distinction Honors Showcase, a demonstration of the students' academic prowess and dedica- tion. Over the course of the year, the seniors all worked diligently on their senior projects, and they had the opportunity in Distinc- tion Honors, where they had to follow a set of guidelines to be recognized. And ten incredible students went above and beyond with their projects with their hard work and determination.
The ten students who par- ticipated in the showcase were Emily Avery, Hannah Bassett, Will Bednaz, Isabel Braley, Sarah Buchanan, Samantha Dahl, Evan Foster, Chloe Jenness, Lau-
ren Paige, and Lydia Poitras. The showcase, set up in a “sci- ence fair style”, was a true com- munity event. Each student had a smart board, allowing them to use visual aids and slides to present their projects. The event, held in the middle of the day, was a resounding success, with a turnout that surpassed previous years. Students, family, friends, and community members came together to support the ten stu- dents, getting an in-depth look at
their impressive work.
Amy Yeakel, the Director
of Extended Learning, said the whole event had a positive en- ergy to it. “It was a huge positive change moving the event from the evening to the middle of the day because way more people were able to attend.” Having other students from the school
attend the showcase added to the positive energy, giving them a first look at what their own senior projects could entail. As they explored each project, they gained valuable insights, making the event a powerful opportunity for peer learning.
The best part of the senior project has always been seeing the different topics that students choose to work on. Amy stated, “The excellence of the wide range of topics that the students pick is fascinating to see. The stu- dent’s passion for these topics re- ally fuels their pride as they work and complete these projects.”
The showcase was a special experience for the students in- volved, and there was no doubt that they deserved every second of it. With all of the people in attendance, the energy buzzing
through the room was palpable as they presented their projects to everyone. “It was really spe- cial,” Yeakel said. “These stu- dents worked so hard, and we want them to be recognized. What they did, what they do is important.”
The event was a celebration of the hard work and creativity displayed by senior students. It highlighted their dedication and innovative thinking, fostering a sense of community among stu- dents, faculty, and attendees. The showcase not only presented im- pressive projects but also inspired younger students to set ambitious goals in both their academic and personal endeavors. These senior projects serve as a testament to the bright future and potential of students at Newfound Regional High School, extending their
impact beyond traditional class- room learning.
Distinction Honors
Showcase Topics:
• Emily Avery Literacy
• Hannah Bassett Reading
• Will Bednaz Plastics Engineering • Isabel Braley Elementary
Mental Health Education • Sarah Buchanan Nursing
Careers
• Samantha Dahl Education • Evan Foster Open
Source Code
• Chloe Jenness Disaster
Psychology
• Lauren Paige Fast Fashion
and Environment
• Lydia Poitras Deaf & Blind
Accessibility