North Haven High School’s band and chorus programs recently continued successful traditions of placing students in state music group competitions.

Seventeen NHHS kids performed last month in the Connecticut Music Educators Association’s Southern Region Music Festival (SRMF). “That’s a pretty large figure,” said Kenneth Tedeschi, NHHS band director. “Other schools send more kids, but we’re on the higher end of the curve.”

To gain spots in SRMF’s Jan. 14-15 concert at Maloney High School in Meriden, North Haven pupils auditioned against numerous youth performers from over three dozen south Connecticut towns and cities. “They are playing with some very talented kids from other schools,” Tedeschi said.

“It’s nice for them to get out of their comfort level of North Haven and get put up against some of the best singers in the region,” added Ashleigh Holt, NHHS choral director. “They’re singing with a higher level of kids.”

North Haven placed 10 teenagers in the SRMF concert band. Two more snagged jazz ensemble spots, one got into the SRMF orchestra and four were chosen to sing in the chorus. “I think they certainly feel a deserved sense of accomplishment,” said Tedeschi of NHHS’s participants. “It’s certainly great for their growth as musicians to go through the audition process and playing in festivals.”

“If the students have any designs on a career in music, it’s good to experience the whole process,” he added. “Practicing and preparing music for auditions, the performance, it’s all real integral to what it means to be a professional musician.”

NHHS performers also gained exposure to new teachers during the SRMF. “One thing they really like is that they get to work with a different conductor with a different style,” said Holt, who auditioned in similar musical competitions when in high school. “They always come back with new tricks and tips, which they share with everyone.”

Tedeschi has a similar experience. “One thing I really like about the SRMF, I always tend to learn a lot attending the rehearsals and concerts,” he said. “I can learn rehearsal techniques from the conductors running their respective rehearsals. And it’s good to chat with a lot of other music teachers.”

Try-outs were in mid-November at Platt High School in Meriden. “The kids were very upbeat about the auditions,” said Tedeschi, who accompanied NHHS students to Meriden with Holt. “I think they enjoy them and look forward to them. They certainly have a sense of pride in representing their school.”

Successful or not, merely auditioning represents hours of hard work for boys and girls. “They put a lot into this,” Tedeschi said. “Most kids also study privately. They not only play their audition pieces for me, but they also work on their pieces diligently with private teachers.”

Placing students in state bands and choruses is merely part of NHHS’s tremendous track record in music. In the high school auditorium, next to glass cases containing sports awards, is the music department’s own display space, stuffed with trophies.

“I think Ashleigh and I are very passionate about our jobs,” Tedeschi said. “We try to bring that passion to every practice and show. It’s somewhat infectious in terms of having a program grow and sustain.”

“One thing that helps is that we do take a trip to an adjudication concert every year,” he added. “It’s created a sense of excitement. It gives us a lot of direction. It’s something we’re always looking forward to and something we’re always working for.”

NHHS’s yearly music trip will be at the end of April, when local performers travel to Virginia Beach in hope of winning additional prizes.

At NHHS, 127 kids sit in concert band, 30 take orchestra, 40 comprise two jazz ensembles, with all groups overlapping. And XXX youths sing in the chorus (OR CHORUSES????). That only a fraction of participants gains SRMF entrance is not lost on pupils.

“It’s looked upon as a really awesome achievement for our students,” Holt said. “A lot of kids are a little nervous about auditioning, but I think it’s worth it. It’s a valuable experience.”

Sitting in SRMF’s concert band from NHHS were Santina Marinelli, Brittany Bendel, Myles Mocarski, Sarah Camera, Kevin Novinsky, Caitlin Fitzpatrick, Grace Kenney, Samuel Baumgartner, Molly Gambardella and Gregory Bicknell. North Haven sent Eli Bannow and J.T. Lincoln to the jazz ensemble. Jamaal Sancho, Gabi Carrubba, Lauren Buonasora and Chelsea Day made chorus, while Solomon Shim made orchestra.