Preview of Two Holiday Performances by the Waterbury Arts Magnet School [UPDATED]

UPDATE:

The Waterbury Arts Magnet School (WAMS) music department presented their annual  concert for the holiday season on Thursday at the Palace Theater. This was the snow date for the concert originally scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 17. The evening of vocal music was entitled "On With the Snow" which perhaps was tempting fate. The featured singing groups included the High School Chorus, the Middle School Chorus, the Middle School Select Choir, and the Voice Class Students. Ms. Marianna Vagnini Dadamo, Ms. Kim Boonstra and Mr. Rami Haxhi are the chorus teachers.

The Middle School Combined Chorus opened the evening of music with "Autumn" by Andy Beck, "Alleluia" by William Boyce, "Winterlight" by Amy Bernon, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by Vince Guaraldi and "On with the Snow" a medley arranged by Douglas Wagner. The 7th and 8th Grade Chorus then performed "Seasons of Love" from Rent by Jonathan Larson.

The Voice Class Students performed "Maroon 5 in Concert" arranged by Ryan James and "The Man with the Bag/Santa Baby" arranged by Paul Langford. Then the Middle School Select Choir took to the stage to perform "Heaven Everywhere" (Glover/Battistelli) "African Noel" arranged by Victor Johnson featuring several percussionists, and "Believe" (Silvestri/Ballard.)

The only part of the program that I got to hear was the High School Chorus because I volunteered to chaperone this group while they prepared for their appearance. They opened with Bach's "Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly Light," "Gloria" by Antonio Vivaldi, "The Seal Lullaby" by Eric Whitacre, and "Adiemus" by Karl Jenkins. "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around" featured text by Langston Hughes and arranged by Dr. Rollo Dilworth. High School Chorus President Emily Pierce, who got to work with Dr. Dilworth at All-Nationals, introduced this spiritual piece that brought down the house. Miciah Holman (class of '13) was the able accompanist. The evening ended with "The Bells of Christmas Medley" arranged by Greg Gilpin.

The Waterbury Arts Magnet School Music Department will present two holiday performances in December.

The WAMS Orchestra and Band will present Winterfest 2013 on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 7:00 pm at Waterbury's Palace Theater. The Concert Band and the String Orchestra will be featured. Admission to the concert is free and tickets are available at the box office. The doors to the Palace will open at 6:30 pm and there will be a good will offering station and a concession stand for the music booster club. WAMS Music Teacher Phillip E. Sterling, Jr. will conduct both musical groups.

The WAMS Music Department will present its Holiday Vocal and Choral concert entitled On With the Snow! on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Waterbury Palace Theater. Tickets for the event are free and available at the Palace box office. Marianna Vagnini-Dadamo, WAMS Middle/High School Choral Director, promises a fantastic concert performance. "It will be wonderful for [parents and guardians] to see their child's hard work, preparation and dedication in performing live music at this event."

Mrs. Vagnini goes on to say, "Thanks in advance for setting an excellent example of audience etiquette for our students (cell phones off, no flash photography, no shout outs, etc.) Here at WAMS, we implement this etiquette at all times at all school performances."