Page 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 19, 2024 PERFORMS | FROM PAGE 1 “It’s a bit stressful and feels like the ride takes a long time,” Du admitted. Director of Percussion and EHS alumnus Mark Sachetta is confident the group can do as well or better than its eighth-place finish last year. “The kids are well seasoned,” he feels. “They’re a machine at this point.” The Winter Color Guard, New England Scholastic Band Association Regional Champions, also performed. “We had a good show,” junior Heaven Martinez feels. “It went beautifully,” senior Leyna Nguyen agreed. “It was a successful year.” Her mother, Houng Le, said she enjoyed the show. First-, second- and thirdplace finishers in a recent EHS talent show opened the show. They were winner Annabel Ibrahimi, second-place finisher Eva Pappas and third-place finisher Rebecca Louine. Two marimba players from the Percussion Ensemble performed duets with teachers: Leo Herrara performed with teacher Brian Spencer, followed by Alisson Solis Deras and teacher Samantha Logan. Ensemble member Alisson Solis Deras and teacher Samantha Logan. In brief remarks, Spencer encouraged eighth graders to consider music classes and extracurricular activities when they get to High School. “The door is open for you,” he told them. Logan also played a marimba duet with student Leah Dunbar. Logan’s husband and EHS alumnus Jared works with the EHS Percussion Ensemble and with various groups at Lowell High School, so their Color Guard, Marching Winds and Percussion groups also performed. Jared Logan said they were invited by O’Brien. A number of local officials were among the parents attending, including State Senator Sal DiDomenico, Sr., Ward 4 Councillor Holly GarJared Logan, left, and EHS Music Department Director Eugene O’Brien. Ensemble member Leo Herrera and teacher Brian Spencer. cia, School Committee members At-Large Samantha Hurley and Samantha Lambert and Ward 4 School Committee member Robin Babcock. “I’m a big supporter of the band and arts programs,” Senator DiDomenico said. Hurley’s son William is in the Percussion Ensemble. “They make Everett proud,” she said. “I’m here as a band parent,” Babcock said in reference to her daughter being in the school orchestra. “All the programs cross over.” DiDomenico and Hurley were manning tables selling raffle tickets and food to help raise money for the trip to Ohio. The 50-50 raffle ballooned up over $1,100, with half going for the trip. “Every year this event seems to get larger,” Sachetta said. “We had more than last year.” Festivities continued after the show, with students dancing to “Cotton Eye Joe,” Color guard member Heaven Martinez and ensemble member Benjamin Braga. the “Macarena” and “YMCA” played through the gym’s speaker system.
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