Middle School Musicians Set New Independent Day School Record

 Everyone thought last year’s amazing total of twenty-one students couldn’t be beat, but this year, twenty-nine IDS students were selected to the 2012 Southern Region Music Festival.  Students were selected by audition from approximately 40 localities. This sets a new record for IDS, with approximately 40% of its middle school students being selected for, either the Orchestra, Band, Chorus or Jazz Band.  Several IDS students earned top accolades by receiving the highest scores for their instrument or voice. Seventh grader, Caroline Tally, of Glastonbury, placed 5th chair in the cello section of the orchestra. Seventh grader, Sam Houle of Durham, placed in the first trumpet section of the band, while sixth grader, Kieran Anderson, of Durham, received the third highest soprano score. Sixth grader, Olivia Haouchine, of Middletown, placed in the first trumpet section of the band. Eighth grader, Thomas Halvorsen, of Middletown, was part of a three-way tie for the highest tenor voice score but was selected to play bari sax in the jazz band for which he also auditioned.  Seventh grader, Stevie Mills, of West Hartford, was part of a three-way tie for the highest tenor voice score.  Sixth grader, David Marotollo, of Weathersfield, received the highest alto voice score but was selected to play clarinet in the orchestra for which he also auditioned. During the festival, the students will rehearse with expert conductors and educators after which they will participate in performances and professional recordings. IDS music teacher, Jane Mills, is Co-Chair of this year's Southern Region Music Festival Orchestra, along with Jan Royce, past IDS parent and past president of the CT Chapter American String Teacher's Association.  The music festival will be held at Lincoln Middle School, in Meriden, on March 2nd and 3rd.