Get ready to be swept off your feet! Join the Ashland Public Schools Music Programs and the Ashland Music Association for an exhilarating series of musical delight.  

The High School and Middle School Bands and the High School Choirs take the stage starting late April through the end of May. Experience the vibrant melodies and harmonies of classical masterpieces, modern favorites, and toe-tapping marches. 

MAY 9: “Songs of the Great White Way”, an essential collection for fans of classic Broadway musicals, graces the Ashland HIgh School auditorium on Thursday, May 9, at 7pm. Step into a world of enchantment with performances by the Concert Choir, the Bel Canto Society, and vocal and piano soloists. Prepare to be dazzled as the curtains rise on these spectacular performances. Graduating seniors

MAY 22: The May 22nd concert will feature the 5th grade band performing 6 full band pieces including the annual traditional performance of Star Wars. The 6th grade band will perform several popular pieces including the theme from The Pink Panther. The Ashland Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Danny Williams, will perform a wide selection of jazz music including Mercy, Mercy and Fly Me to the Moon.

MAY 23: On Thursday, May 23, the High School bands concert is being presented in honor and in memoriam of Glen Adsit, a conducting teacher, and a mentor to Mr. Maule. “I am programming Shepherd’s Hey by Percy Grainger. This was a piece that he taught at all his conducting clinics/workshops with the idea that the conductor never needs to “beat time” but should instead make their body imitate the sound they want from the players.” said Mr. Maule. Also on the program is Percy Grainger’s Irish Tune from County Derry, often considered a companion piece to his Shepherd’s Hey. Attendees will also be treated to Hunsberger’s arrangement of Shostakovich’s Galop. The concert will kickoff with James Beckel’s American Dream, and will include an ever-popular medley of John Williams movie music! This will be the bands’ first concert since earning gold and silver medals at the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductor’s Association (MICCA) Concert Festival. 

MAY 28: The May 28 concert, which will be held at AHS at 7pm, will feature the 7th and 8th grade bands performing many well-known popular pieces, including the Ashland premiere performance of Billie Ellish’s Oscar-winning song “What Was I Made For?” from the Barbie movie.

These concerts mark the final performance for 15 graduating seniors: 

• Antonio Fitanides - Trumpet

• Ryan Kaufman - Percussion

• Camille Kiang - Clarinet

• Emily Umholtz - Alto Saxophone

• Emma Whitham - Trombone

• Koei Cade - The Bel Canto Society

• Kaylie Eng - Concert Choir & Bel Canto

• Heidi Hausmann - Concert Choir & Bel Canto

• Pollyanna Magnago - Concert Choir & Bel Canto

• Jordan Norris - Concert Choir & Bel Canto

• Chloe Steinberg - Bel Canto

• Alexander Thales-Dupidon - Concert Choir & Bel Canto

• Amelia Uglialoro - Bel Canto

• Emma Whitham - Bel Canto

• Rachel Xu - Choral Accompanist & Bel Canto

Thank you for sharing your musical talents with our community for the past 8 years. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

From soul-stirring solos to powerful ensemble performances, these concerts promise to captivate audiences of all ages. Don’t miss this unforgettable musical journey!

Ashland Public School music programs are supported by the Ashland Music Association (AMA), a parent volunteer run organization raising funds to support program expenses not covered by the school budget. Over the past 5 years, the AMA has invested over $54,000 in the Ashland Public School music programs. 

“This is a labor of love for us. Music education has proven time and again to be a transformative force in the lives of our students. It prepares them for the future of work by fostering creativity, discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. These benefits extend far beyond the classroom, enriching the lives of our students as they grow into well-rounded individuals ready to face the challenges of the world.” Heidi Hanson, President, Ashland Music Association.

Learn more about the AMA at http:///www.ashlandmusic.org, or contact them at [email protected].