By Sara Deibler, 

Lisa Uglialoro, and 

Heidi Hanson

Ashland is once again proving itself to be a community rich in musical talent! Over 20 exceptional band and chorus students from Ashland have been selected to participate in the highly esteemed Central District Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) Music Festival Concert. This prestigious event brings together the finest young musicians from across the region, providing them with the opportunity to collaborate with renowned conductors and educators, refine their skills, and perform at an unforgettable concert showcasing their hard work and dedication.

Students from over 70 schools in the district were selected following a rigorous audition process. Choir students were selected to the Chorus ensemble, while band students were selected to either the Concert Band (primarily consisting of woodwind and brass instruments) or the Orchestra (including a full string section alongside woodwinds and brass).

Senior Central District MMEA Auditions were held in mid-November, and the Festival Concert was held on January 18th at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. Congratulations to the following students who were selected to perform at the Senior Festival Concert:

Band: Ariel Achildiev (Baritone saxophone)*, Nathan Gerlovin (Clarinet), Sadie Gilhooly (Horn), Millie Jaiswal (Bass clarinet), Nathaniel Kinsman (Horn), Daniel Lee (Clarinet)*, Spencer Leland (Timpani)*, Sabrina Lin (Clarinet), Andrew Martin (Bassoon)*, Hasani Reddy (Tuba)*, Neha Ruthramoorthy (Bass clarinet)*

Orchestra: Sarah Miksis (Trumpet)*

Chorus: Erick Almeida (Bass), Cora Franzella (Soprano), Gabby Ilin (Alto)*, Hunter Meigs (Bass), Jhosep Ramirez Gonzalez (Bass)

*Indicates the student, based on their high scores in the audition, was given an All-State Recommendation, allowing them to audition for potential placement in the All-State Music Festival.

Junior Central District MMEA Auditions were held in early February, marking the first time in over a decade that Ashland’s 7th and 8th grade students participated in the event. In addition, two 9th graders auditioned. Five students were selected to participate in the Junior Festival Concert, which will be held on May 3rd at Blackstone-Millville Regional High School in Blackstone. Congratulations to:

Band: Sam Apostola (Clarinet), Mark Mayatshikh (French Horn), Kaiya Smits (Oboe) 

Orchestra: Jonah Bloom (French Horn), Ben Deibler (Bassoon)

Additionally, Sarah Miksis, a senior trumpet player at Ashland High School, has once again demonstrated her exceptional musical talent by earning a coveted spot in the Massachusetts All-State Band for the second consecutive year. This prestigious achievement comes after a highly competitive audition process, showcasing Sarah’s dedication, skill, and passion for music. As a member of the All-State Band, she will have the honor of performing at the renowned Symphony Hall in Boston on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Congratulations to Sarah on this outstanding accomplishment!

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the students who auditioned and who earned a place in these prestigious festivals. The District Music Festivals are more than just an event—they are an opportunity for students to grow artistically, collaborate with fellow musicians, and experience the joy of high-level ensemble performance. Their selection is a testament to their commitment to excellence and the strong music education programs in our schools.

The Ashland Music Association (AMA) would like to thank the Ashland Select Board and BachKnives for generous grants that supported our students’ participation in the Junior and Senior Central District Auditions and Festival Concerts.

As these talented students prepare for their moment in the spotlight, the entire town has even more opportunities to experience the magic of live music and vocal performances. Get ready for an exciting season of performances as Ashland Public Schools proudly presents its Spring Concert Band and Choral Music Series! This year’s lineup promises to be an unforgettable celebration of musical excellence, featuring a diverse array of events:

MICCA Competition Preview Concert – Experience the outstanding repertoire our students are preparing for the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) competition, a showcase of excellence in school music programs.

Composer Showcase – A special evening featuring the work of a local Ashland composer alongside original compositions by student musicians.

Elevating LGBTQ+ Voices: The Ashland High School Choir will present a moving and powerful program that fosters awareness, inclusivity, and artistic expression through vocal music.

With a mix of classical, contemporary, and original works, this season offers something for every music lover. Whether you’re a long-time supporter of Ashland’s music programs or a newcomer to the local concert scene, these performances are sure to inspire and delight.

Join us in celebrating the dedication, passion, and artistry of our young musicians. Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and come experience the power of music in our community. We can’t wait to see you in the audience!

A Bright Future for Ashland’s Music Program

With these performances just around the corner, it’s clear that Ashland’s music program is in great hands. Our middle and high school band and choir students continue to demonstrate their commitment to the arts, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. Don’t miss these incredible performances—mark your calendars and come show your support for our talented young musicians as they showcase their hard work and passion!

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 $60,000 in the Ashland Public School music programs.

Learn more about the upcoming season and the achievements of Ashland music students at the AMA website, https://www.ashlandmusic.org/home, where you can view details about the upcoming season, enjoy Fall 2024 concert recordings, learn about the APS music teachers, and read about the latest exciting news in the AMA newsletter, Clocker Beats.