HMS music students at New England Conservatory Prep program

Violinist Michiko Takahashi ('08) and pianist Henry Lewers ('08) have been enrolled in the Prep Division of New England Conservatory in Boston, MA since September of 2006. The NEC Prep program has been the premier source of accelerated music study for New England high school musicians for years. Every Saturday, the students head to Boston and spend a full day studying music theory, ear training, sight singing, and counterpoint. In addition, they receive private lessons and play in student ensembles. The experience essentially gives the experience of conservatory-level work for students who are still enrolled in high school.

Michiko is in the Traditional Music Prep program, studying classical violin. She plays in a string quartet with other Prep program students from around the region. Henry is in the Jazz Studies special two-year certificate Prep program. He plays in a jazz quintet (alto sax, guitar, piano, bass, and drums).

Fana Takahashi ('10) also travels with Michiko and Henry to NEC weekly for her cello lessons.

The NEC Prep Division website can be found in the "off-campus" box in left-hand margin.

Henry Lewers performs at the 2007 New Hampshire All-State Jazz Festival

Pianist Henry Lewers ('08) was a participant at the 2007 NH Jazz All-State Festival in Nashua over the weekend of February 1 - 3. He played in one of two big bands at the festival, performing swing and latin standards (and some originals written by the director of his band). He even performed a solo on the classic standard "But Beautiful".

Navigating around the cavernous campus of Nashua South High School seemed a bit odd for Henry, as did meeting a long list of roomates at the Sheraton Tara (the huge mock-Tudor place off Route 3!), but he persevered through two long days of rehearsal, culminating in a performance on Saturday afternoon (February 3) in Nashua South's excellent auditorium.

A CD of the Jazz All-State performances (two big bands and two jazz choirs) was made. Excerpts from the performances by Henry's band can be accessed on the archive page (look under "student musicians" in the left-hand margin).

Henry's participation in the Festival followed his successful audition in November of 2006. The NH All-State Jazz Festival, like the "regular" All-State Festival (which features symphony orchestra, large chorus, and concert band), is facilitated by the NH Music Educators' Association (NHMEA), a chapter of the Music Educators' National Conference (MENC). Please congratulate Henry for being the first HMS student ever chosen for the All-State Jazz Festival!

The NH Music Educators' Association site can be found in the "off-campus" box in the left-hand margin.