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Schools

Avon Middle and High School Musicians Unite to Perform John Rutter's Mass of the Children

Avon Middle and High School musicians have come together to perform John Rutter's highly acclaimed Mass of the Children for Choir and Orchestra on Wednesday, March 30.

Avon Middle and High School musicians have joined forces to perform John Rutter’s masterwork, Mass of the Children for Choir and Orchestra, plus a wide array of musical selections ranging from pop to barbershop.

The performance will take place on Wednesday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m. at Central Connecticut State University in the Welte Auditorium. 

The combined choir and orchestra includes Avon High School’s chorus, orchestra and wind ensemble, and Avon Middle School’s Arioso choral ensemble members as the children’s chorus. Andrew Brochu, choral director at Avon High School, will direct the performance.

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Tom Kawiecki is Avon’s Middle School choral director, David Raposo is Avon High School’s band director, and Robert Lovendale is Avon High School’s orchestra director. 

Over 300 students will perform during this two-hour long concert.

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“It’s the first time we’re … [performing] a masterwork … in our town’s history. The orchestra program is finally developed to the point where we can do it,” Brochu told Patch. “It’s a really wonderful opportunity to challenge the kids … and present a historical work.”

Rutter composed Mass of the Children after a two-year period of virtual inactivity resulting from the 2001 death of his young son. It was first performed on Feb. 13, 2003, at New York’s Carnegie Hall. 

“It’s world-renowned masterwork … [and] well respected,” Brochu said.

The upcoming event was made possible by a $3,015 grant from the Avon Education Foundation for the purpose of furthering Avon’s music program. Proceeds from the grant went towards purchasing music, renting out the venue and hiring a rehearsal accompanist. Additionally, artists from CCSU will work with the students as part of the grant. 

“We would not be able to do this without their support,” Kawiecki said.

The students have been preparing for the concert with their respective groups since the end of December. Additionally, all groups will begin performing together over a series of four rehearsals. 

Kawiecki says he’s “thrilled” his middle school students have been given the opportunity to work with the high school students and their choral director. 

“It’s great for the younger kids to see and hear the older kids. There’s a lot of fruitfulness in that,” Kawiecki said. “Not to mention that Mr. Brochu is an incredible high school choral director, and if he stays in his classroom and I stay in mine, my kids don’t … get to see or experience what lies ahead for them.”

The concert will conclude with Raposo's arrangement of America the Beautiful, which includes all performers. 

“Everyone has gotten a lot out of this experience. It has given all of us the opportunity to get to know one another, work together and make wonderful music,” Brochu said.

Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased through all music teachers at Avon Middle and High Schools or the Friends of Avon Music Education. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but buying tickets in advance is encouraged since a large turnout is anticipated.

Doors to the concert open at 7 p.m. Directions to the CCSU Campus can be found at http://www.ccsu.edu/page.cfm?p=1378.

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