RM Cluster Emphasizes The Importance Of Music
Feb 16, 2011 15:59 - 3 Comments
Combined RMHS choruses
Last night for the first time, students from all of the schools in the Richard Montgomery Cluster performed in the annual RM Cluster Concert. The evening showcased every sort of musical endeavor available from a cappella groups to choruses to instrumental music. One of the objectives of the event is to give the kids a chance to see what you can move onto musically.
Ronald Frezzo, Director of the Richard Montgomery Choruses, explained why music is offered in schools. The reasons include math (counting), geography (musical heritage), civics (patriotic songs), discipline (listening and standing), teamwork, mutual respect, and even the health effects of breathing. Mr. Frezzo told the audience that more drama and music majors get into medical school than biology majors.
The evening kicked off unofficially with the three a cappella groups from Richard Montgomery High School (RMHS): the all-female Resonance, the coed In Tune, and the all-male T Tones. In Tune introduced themselves as the “Pokemon Trainers Association of America” but that must have been an attempt to get the attention of the elementary school kids in the audience. Billing themselves as the “funest” group, they covered the Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes. The T Tones went with The Longest Time by Billy Joel.
Beall Elementary
The main performances of the evening were by the elementary school choruses. The Beall, College Gardens, Ritchie Park, and Twinbrook Choruses all bravely sung to a standing-room-only crowd.
College Gardens Elementary
Their sweet young voices were gently punctuated by the simple accompaniment of a piano.
Ritchie Park Elementary
Ritchie Park added some percussion to Blue Waters of the North.
Twinbrook Elementary
Since Julius West Middle School (JWMS) lost their chorus program due to budget cuts, Mr. Steve Cowan brought three instrumental groups to perform. Over 250 kids play instruments at JWMS. The short excerpts played gave a taste of what the school offers from jazzy brass Pink Panther to Bach on strings. Listen to what the Bach turned into:
The Combined Richard Montgomery Choruses brought the evening to a grand finale. During Dona Nobis Pacem all the elementary choruses joined in the singing the rounds. Since the younger students sat in the side rows, their voices surrounded the audience with a flowing embrace of Latin.
Then the audience stood and joined in with the first and fourth verses of America, the Beautiful so parents could show their support with their voices.
During the evening RMHS Principal Dr. Nelson McLeod, proved the value the school places on music by presenting $200 gifts to each of the music programs. Totaling over $1,000, these gifts are a tradition which acknowledges the important role each music program plays for the students.
During this tough budget situation, parents can also reach out to principals and the County Council to show their support for these thriving music programs. Kids who show commitment to choral and drama programs demonstrate their ability to succeed in college. Last night the students and faculty certainly demonstrated their passion for music.
Oops. You called the all-female RM a capella group “The Residents”. I think they are called “Resonance”.
That name would make more sense! Since they weren’t on the program, I had to go from what I thought I heard! Thanks Brenda.
Sorry I missed the great performance at RMHS. Congratulations to all. I am sure the $200 gift will be used wisely by each group.
Last night I attended the City of Rockville 16th Annual African American Heritage Production, ” A Change Gon’ Come!”
The play is fantastic. It is based on the true story of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. The cast performed beautifully. The dance routines were amazing. If only I could have half the energy of the dancers.
The youth of the Finest ! are planning to visit our Rockville Sister City Pinneberg, Germany in 2012 and are seeking donations for this trip. The Rockville Sister City Corporation will coordinate housing for the group.