NBHS Concert Band and Chorus Take Home Awards from Virginia Beach Competition

The North Branford High School music department recently participated at the Virginia Beach Festivals of Music competition with the concert band directed by Katherine Trainer and the chorus directed by Michael Carnaroli.

Between the choir, band and chorus, 65 students attended the trip, along with seven staff members. This is just the second trip the music department has taken with its 2011 trip to Washington, DC, being the first. 

The group came home from Virginia with the following awards:

• NBHS Concert Band: Excellent Rating, 1st Place
  
• NBHS Concert Choir: Excellent Rating, 2nd Place
  
• NBHS Select Chorus: Good Rating, 4th Place 

"Our students have been preparing their music since January and were extremely dedicated to presenting an artistic, professional performance at the music festival," said Carnaroli, who hopes the trips can occur every other year. "I was proud that the chorus's performance was the best we had ever presented our music. The students showed dedication, perseverance, and maturity."

Trainer, who became the NBHS band director in September 2012, was also impressed – not only with the competition but at the differences she has noticed in her students. 

"My students continue to grow as instrumentalists as they continue to push  musical boundaries, accept every challenge I propose, and look at each piece with a sense of importance and pride," she said. "My students have also grown as individuals – constantly displaying support, assistance, and encouragement for one another.  

"I knew my students would strive for their best performance possible at the Virginia Beach Festivals of Music competition and I was very proud of their focus and musicality," she added. "It was just an additional bonus that we came home with the First Place trophy and an Excellent rating."

While both directors were pleased with their students' performances, they said what was even more important to take away from the trip was the memories with Trainer recalling trips from her days at Daniel Hand High School as some of her "best memories."

Carnaroli and Trainer also agreed that the trip also allows the students to form tighter bonds with each other and with them.

"Our trip allows students and teachers to see each other in a new light and this helps to foster a sense of trust and belonging in our classrooms when we return to school," said Carnaroli. "The fact that our school's largest overnight trip is a music trip shows that the arts are alive in our community and an integral part
of our school."

Did you or your student participate in the trip? What was the best part about it?