Music In Our Schools Month

Music has always been a powerful force in education, and this March, the Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Districts proudly celebrate Music In Our Schools Month by recognizing the outstanding achievements of our student musicians.

A Festival of Talent

On March 15, 2025, student musicians from Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School districts took center stage at the 48th Annual Junior Festival Concert hosted by the Massachusetts Music Educators Association Western District. Their performances in chorus, orchestra, and concert band showcased not only their talent but also the district’s dedication to the arts.

🎶 Chorus: 2 students
🎻 Orchestra: 11 students
🥁 Concert Band: 4 students

Superintendent Dr. Xi, who attended the event, said: “I left feeling incredibly proud and inspired by the outstanding talent of our student musicians.”

Behind Every Great Performance

Music education thrives on strong mentorship. This year’s Junior Festival was made possible by the tireless efforts of ARPS music teachers who inspire and support their students daily:

Kara Kahgee Bear – ARMS Bands
Yasu Suzuki – ARMS Orchestras
Paige Graham – ARMS Choirs
Ariel Templeton – Elementary School Bands
Heather Samson – Elementary School Orchestras

Their passion and dedication help shape the musical journeys of young artists, ensuring the arts remain a vibrant part of the ARPS community.

Reaching New Heights at the Senior Level

ARHS students have also made waves in the Senior District Festival, with an exciting milestone—10 students have qualified for the prestigious Massachusetts All-State Festival. This marks ARPS’s highest number of accepted students in recent years, a true testament to their hard work and artistic excellence.

A Harmony of Achievement

Music In Our Schools Month is a celebration of the dedication, passion, and talent that make the arts an essential part of our district. From junior musicians taking the stage for the first time to senior students reaching new heights, their achievements reflect the strength of our music education programs. As we continue to support and nurture the arts, we look forward to many more moments of inspiration, creativity, and success in the years to come.

Upcoming Musical Celebrations

As Music In Our Schools Month continues, ARPS invites the community to enjoy these upcoming performances:

🌟 MMEA All-State Festival Concert
📍 Symphony Hall, Boston | 🗓️ March 29 | ⏰ 1:00 PM

💃 Dance Open Performance & Dance Battle
📍 ARHS Auditorium | 🗓️ April 3 | ⏰ 7:00 PM

For a full schedule of music and performing arts events, visit:
bit.ly/performingartscalendar