Page 14 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 7, 2023 MEETING | FROM PAGE 3 She said part of their secret was to take the judges’ advice and retain that information. Bass Line and Section Leader Sicari Shand, who is in her fifth year, said she’s proud and grateful for the opportunity. Shand said the secret is practicing, working hard and retaining information. “I was surprised that we placed first, but I knew we could do it,” Shand said. Senior Drum Section/Battery Leader Kim Herrera, who is in her fifth year, said they’ve come a long way. The 40-person ensemble practices three times a week, according to Herrera. During the meeting, School Committee Chairperson Michael Mangan wished the ensemble nothing but the best of luck. “Thank you to you each and every one of you,” Mangan said. “On the School Committee side, we’re making a significant investment, such as money for travel.” Mayor Carlo DeMaria said he’s proud of each of them and apologized that he hasn’t been to many competitions. “I stay in touch with your music director and your senator on a daily basis,” DeMaria said. “We supported you, and your parents, since you’ve been in kindergarten.” DeMaria said he lives off Elm Street and he hears them performing beautifully at Rivergreen Park in the summertime. School Committee Vice Chairperson Michael McLaughlin said he’s seen the percussion ensemble perform multiple times on major and local stages. “So many times, you may not think it’s not noticeable, but it is very much noticeable,” McLaughlin said. “I was there yesterday in Dartmouth, which earned a 92.2 percent rating – that’s remarkable.” Like DeMaria, he also hears students perform at Rivergreen Park. “Those other groups want to be where you guys are,” McLaughlin said. “You guys brought home victory yesterday.” School Committee Member-At-Large Samantha Lambert said this year’s performance is beautiful. “No matter what happens in Dayton, you already won because of the community you built,” Lambert said. “I want everyone to see it – I shared the performance so many times.” State Senator Sal DiDomenico, whose son, Sal, is part of the ensemble, helped them to purchase a bus. Many parents Pictured from left to right: Pit Captain/Bass Guitarist Kathleen De Souza, Alisson Solis/marimba (far left), Thalyta Andrade/ drum set (center), Daniel Nunez, Estrella Marimba (right) and Nicholas Middle guitarist (far right). asked the School Committee for additional support during public comment. Music and Band Director Gene O’Brien, in an emotional statement, said these kids are awesome and thanked School Committee members for their support. O’Brien said they haven’t performed past a 90 percent rating in years. “They have won several championships,” O’Brien said. “They’re currently ranked number one in the United States of America – on to Dayton, Ohio.” Pictured from left to right: Esthel Calderon on vibraphone, Saskya Charles on timpani and Luciana Rodrigues on vibraphone. With their first-place trophy in hand, Percussion Ensemble members received a round of applause. School Committee members congratulated the EHS Percussion Ensemble and wished them well in Dayton, Ohio, during Monday’s School Committee meeting at Everett High School. During public comment, parent William Hurley said it’s been so much fun to see the band’s their success on a weekly basis. State Senator Sal DiDomenico, who is also a band dad, said he’s excited to see what these students have done as a community – teaching life lessons – beyond music. Parent Oscar Vega, who has two children in the ensemble, said that while he realizes that School Committee members have other obligations, he asked the School Committee for more support by attending more performances. He said percussion ensemble is a sport of the arts. Parent Lonamae Shand asked for more support from School Committee members and city officials. Shown from left to right: Tam Tran on bass drum, Sal DiDomenico on bass drum, Lillian Learned on cymbals, Kim Herrera on snare drum, Rocco Ortiz on quads, Adan Alarcon Acosta on bass drum, Enrico Vega on quads, Sicari Shand on bass drum, Benjamin Braga on snare drum and Benny Renderos on bass drum. Mayor Carlo DeMaria said City Hall proudly supports the Percussion Ensemble.
15 Publizr Home