The snow storm didn’t stop the music nor the singing. The North Plainfield Somerset Intermediate School held its complimentary Winter Concert February 4, 2016 – rescheduled from January 26. Fifth and sixth grade student advanced members from The Dragon Band, Somerset Singers and Somerset School Chorus performed from 7 to 8 pm at the Somerset School Community Room.
The Dragon Band featured Bold Adventure by Timothy Johnson, Samba de Soleil by Roland Barrett and Twelve The Clock Strikes by Rob Grice. The band is under the direction of Dorian Parreott II, who plays a tuba, and is a classical and jazz performer, who has travelled the world to play with legendary jazz artists and highly regarded NY musicians. He said, “For years I have played professionally and many of the greats I run into continue to speak about their old band director and the musical experience, as well as the life lesson the directors gave them.”
Songs such as Peace Like a River, Spiritual/Arr. Schram, Kyrie Eleison by Schubert/Arr. Eilers and Duke Ellington’s Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, by Russell/Ellington/Arr. Althouse were presented by the Somerset Singers.
Somerset School Chorus sung America/I Sing of Thee, Traditional/Arr. Gallina, Alleluja by Mozart/Arr. Artman and Seasons of Love, by Larson/Arr. Miller.
Lucas Miller, the director of the Somerset Singers and Chorus, is a musician and composer raised in New Jersey who writes music, teaches and performs in the greater Metro Area. “Hearing the students of this district blend their voices together and sing beautifully is why I come to work every day. They provide me great joy by giving their best each time we practice and perform,” he said.
The Winter Concert was sponsored by the North Plainfield Fine Arts Department under Thomas Mazur and Somerset School principal Reginald Saint-Rose. “Special thanks to all administrators and staff at Somerset School for your cooperation as well as parents and friends for supporting your loved ones in their musical endeavors,” said Mazur.
(above) Lucas Miller, director of the Somerset Singers and Chorus introduces the next number at the Somerset School Band, Singers, Chorus Concert.
(above) The Somerset School Dragon Band warms up under the direction of Dorian Parreott II the night of the Somerset School Band, Singers, Chorus Concert.
