We are excited to introduce the Ashland Music Association newsletter, Clocker Beats! In this issue, learn more about the upcoming Fall concert season, the AMA Winter Fair, the new Clocker Music Merch store, and the recent accomplishments of our music students in the AMS & AHS student spotlights. In this inaugural issue, we also invite you to meet the AMS & AHS music teachers and share a special thank you to our donors and grantors.
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Fall Concert Season Approaches
November 2024 - The Fall concert season has something for everyone. From English country dances to American river songs. From a monster mash-up to holiday movie music and nostalgic holiday classics. Visit AshlandMusic.org/Attend to learn more about the upcoming concert season.
AMA Winter Fair Brings Music and Fun for Families on Dec. 6th
November 2024 – Mark your calendars for Friday, December 6th, and join us at the Ashland Music Association Winter Fair, a family-friendly event featuring winter-themed games, crafts, and food, designed to entertain young children while fostering a love for music. Running from 6:00 to 8:30 PM, the fair will be held alongside the Ashland High School Band’s Holiday Movie Music concert, which takes place from 7:00 to 7:40 PM. Pizza will be available for purchase before the concert and save room for hot chocolate bar and baked goods after the concert.
Concert highlights include holiday favorites like Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, Somewhere in My Memory from Home Alone by John Williams, and medleys from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and The Polar Express. During the concert, children are invited to the front for a reading of The Polar Express with musical accompaniment, creating a magical experience.
Entrance to the Winter Fair is $10 per family and the AHS Holiday Concert is free and open to the public. Proceeds from the fair support the Ashland Public Schools music performance groups.
Get Your Clocker Music Merch & Support Our Band & Vocal Performance Groups!
November 2024 - The Clocker Music Merch store is here! Purchase your official Ashland Music clothing, hats, bags, and more online and have them shipped right to your home! Included in the price of each item is a small donation to the AMA, which will be used to support the Ashland band and vocal performance groups with the purchase and repair of school instruments, new music, equipment, and more.
Visit the Clocker Music Merch Store
AMS Student Spotlight: Jonah Bloom, Talented French Horn Player
November 2024 - Eighth grader Jonah Bloom, a talented French horn player in the AMS band, recently performed with the Worcester Youth Orchestra at Mechanics Hall, marking his second year with the esteemed ensemble of young musicians from central Massachusetts. Studying under local musician Marina Krickler, Jonah is set to audition for the CDMMEA concert band in February and looks forward to performing with the AMS Wind Ensemble at the MICCA state music festival in April. Inspired by composers like Philip Glass and Randall D. Standridge, Jonah continues to grow and impress in his musical journey.
AHS Music Student Spotlight: Sarah Miksis Shines with Prestigious NEC’s Youth Philharmonic Orchestra
November 2024 – Senior trumpet player Sarah Miksis is showcasing her talent this year as a member of the New England Conservatory’s Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, joining some of the most accomplished young musicians in the region. Over the summer, Sarah also had the honor of performing with the prestigious John Philip Sousa National High School Honor Band, adding to her impressive musical journey and achievements.
AHS Vocal Music Spotlight: Students Selected to Sing National Anthem at Home Football Games
November 2024 - Six talented students have earned the coveted honor of singing the national anthem at Ashland High School football home games this year. Annelise Condakes, Caroline Diamond, Meara Donald, Gabby Ilin, Mercedes MacLean, and Rachel Paoloini were chosen after a competitive audition process that showcased their vocal abilities and school spirit. Their selection highlights both their musical talent and dedication, as they lead fans in celebrating our nation and supporting the Ashland High School community. Congratulations to these outstanding vocalists on this achievement!
AHS Vocal Music Spotlight: Announcing the 2024-2025 Bel Canto Society Members
November 2024 – Congratulations to all the new members of the Bel Canto Society, Ashland High School’s audition-only vocal music performance group. These talented students, chosen through an audition process, have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and passion for vocal music.
Soprano
Soprano
Nyima Abreu
Maia Cerrito-Stingo
Annelise Condakes
Caroline Diamond
Cora Franzella
Mercedes MacLean
Rachel Paolini
Vee Slowik
Baritone
Baritone
Erick Almeida
Sean Bayliss
Karl Galang
Nathan Gerlovin
Noam Mechtinger
Hunter Meigs
Jhosep Ramirez Gonzalez
Roman Shcherbyna
Alto
Alto
Natalie Bailey
Lia Bellemare
Bella Bordieri
Courtney Castelly
Kelli Danehy
Daniela Davila-Santacruz
Gabby Ilin
Anna Shulgina
Celebrating Success: Ashland Bands Shine at MICCA Festival
November 2024 – The Ashland Music Association proudly recognizes the outstanding achievements of our AHS Concert Bands and the AMS Wind Ensemble at last year’s MICCA Festival. The AHS Concert Band-Blue earned a prestigious Gold Medal, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication, while the AHS Concert Band-White achieved a commendable Silver Medal. Additionally, the AMS Wind Ensemble also earned a Silver Medal, further highlighting the excellence of our music program across grade levels. As we prepare for the next MICCA Festival, scheduled for April 4-6, we look forward to seeing our talented performers continue to shine on stage and make us proud.
Meet the AMS & AHS Music Teachers
November 2024 - The AMS and AHS band and vocal music teachers bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm, helping students explore their musical potential. Learn more about Ms. Kasper, Mr. Koning, Mr. Maule, and Ms. Nemeth—their backgrounds, what they love about teaching, and what brought them to Ashland Public Schools.
Visit the Meet the AMS & AHS Music Teachers page
THANK YOU to our Donors & Grantors!
November 2024 - The AMA is a parent volunteer run 501(c)(3) organization providing financial and volunteer assistance to the music performance groups in the Ashland Public Schools. We are grateful to ALL the donors & grantors that make our work possible.
THANK YOU Ashland Select Board for awarding 2024 BAA grant awards to the AMA!
THANK YOU to all our 2023-2024 school year donors.
SUPPORT MUSIC EDUCATION - Visit AshlandMusic.org/support to learn how you can support music education in Ashland.
View the AMA 2023-2024 Impact Report to learn more about AMA financials & our investment in the Ashland Public Schools music programs.
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