December 2023: The DS FoPA Newsletter

In this issue: Winter Concert Season Begins, Jazz Brunch Wrap-up, Mary Poppins at the Middle School, Did You See?, Senior Spotlight, Teacher Feature and Remembering JB

DS Winter Concert Season Begins!

Check below for our concert listings or click the link to our Fine and Performing Arts calendar. See you at the concert!

DS Music & Theatre Events Fall/Winter 2023-24

Pine Hill Grade 5 Winter Concert

Pine Hill Grade 5 Band, String Ensemble and Chorus

Tuesday, 12/5 / 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Lofgren Auditorium/ Pine Hill School

DSMS Presents Mary Poppins

Thursday, 12/7 6:30 PM

Friday, 12/8 7:00 PM

Saturday, 12/9 1:00 & 7:00 PM

Mudge Auditorium / DSHS

6 - 12 Band & Jazz Band Winter Concert

Tuesday, 12/12 / 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Mudge Auditorium / DSHS

Chickering Winter Concert

Featuring CH Strings, Band & Convocation

Friday, 12/15 / 9:05 - 9:45 AM

Chickering School/ Dover

8 - 12 Choral & Acapella Winter Concert

Tuesday, 12/19 / 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Mudge Auditorium / DSHS

DS SONGFEST

Featuring choral students from ALL four schools!

Thursday, 1/11/24 / 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Mudge Auditorium / DSHS

What do you consider your primary instrument(s)? At what age did you begin playing/singing?

My primary instruments are bass, electric guitar and saxophone. I started learning sax in the fourth grade at Pine Hill and bass was in sixth grade. I began playing guitar around sixth grade as well. I was drawn to these instruments because I love rock and rolI and guitar is a signature instrument of that genre. No one else wanted to play the bass in my 7th grade project, so I did. I'm glad I did because the bass may seem like its not the most important thing, but it is a very important instrument in a band.

I totally concur with that philosophy. So it sounds like you jumped right into learning these instruments at a very young age! Who have been your teachers and/or inspiration to learn along the way?

I'm a self-taught guitarist, and bass is mostly self taught but I have taken lessons, especially recently as I prepare for college. My teachers are Gabe Leeman and Jodi Stevens (currently) for bass. I'm really influenced by heavy metal music; groups like Iron Maiden, Metallica...they can be super expressive with vocals and instruments. Plus, it requires a lot of skill to play in this style because the music is not digital or electronically modified. Steve Harris, Cliff Burton...these are the musicians who inspire me to learn more.

Are you involved in any DS Music groups?

Yes, I am very involved in the DS Music scene. Currently I play in the concert band, the jazz band and I assist in the sixth grade jazz band as a student teacher.

Student Teacher!?! Tell me more about that!

I am responsible for arranging songs, for helping the students prepare for the concerts, and for conducting the songs in front of the live audience. While I love this experience, it can be a struggle because many of the students do not know how to read music and they can also be very distracted at the middle school age. I have found that they are very eager to learn, though, so that definitely helps. I especially like seeing them get super excited over playing certain songs. For example, “Rock n Roll Lifestyle” is a song that I helped arrange to accommodate the different levels of learners in this group. Differentiating the song is a good thing because it allows students to memorize the music and stay engaged while learning something that is different and new. One thing that keeps surprising me is to see what they are capable of doing when they really get it together. I reinforce the idea that being part of the jazz band is not like playing a solo; it's about how everything sounds together. Everyone is part of the whole.

This is a HUGE part (and benefit) of playing in an ensemble. Speaking of ensembles, tell us about your experience as part of the DS pit orchestras. What have you learned from those experiences?

I've played in the pit of many DS productions: Beauty and the Beast, Music Man, and Big Fish, and I will appear in the pit for both Mary Poppins this month and Mamma Mia in the spring. Being a member of a pit orchestra really keeps me on my toes. There are always a lot of changes-- right up until performance time, so you have to be prepared for everything. I remember during one show, an actor skipped two choruses of the song and we had to “roll with it”--that was super scary, but it taught me that I am adaptable and as long as I know my part, I can figure things out on the fly. It’s like 'real world' improvisation!

Do you have aspirations to continue in the music field/industry during college?

Yes, absolutely. I’m going to major or minor in music no matter where I go. If I get into Berklee, then music is definitely what I’ll study. If I major in something else, I will definitely do music "on the side”.



Okay, so even with music "on the side", it sounds like you've spent some time at DS learning to do what you love. That said, do you think music education is important? Why or why not?

Absolutely because having someone guide you in your music choices and learning is super important. I would not have even been aware of certain instruments without teachers. Music class was a place for me to explore my creativity and was separate from my general ed classrooms. There I could do what I loved to do to fulfill requirements and not ‘fail’. Music classes also helped me develop curiosity and see how far I could go. 

We think you'll go pretty far, Dylan. Thank you.

Did You See...?

On an unseasonably warm morning late last October, the annual DS Jazz Brunch proved to be a delightful celebration of musical talent and community support. The event showcased a diverse array of performances, including the impressive High School Jazz Band under the direction of Janice Barry, the dynamic Sharp 9 Jazz Band led by Tom Duprey, and the harmonious Regional 8-12 Chorus directed by Geoff Herrmann. The audience was also treated to the enchanting voices of three acapella groups—Noteworthy, DS al Coda, and Harmonic Imbalance. Amidst the soulful tunes, attendees were also treated to a delicious breakfast feast, skillfully crafted by both the DS Kitchen Chefs and Roche Brothers Catering. Beyond the artistic and culinary delights, it's important to note that this event serves a larger purpose as a significant fundraiser for DS Friends of the Performing Arts (FoPA). FoPA is an organization of parents and community volunteers that promotes and supports the music and theater programs at the Dover- Sherborn Regional Schools, adding a profound layer of meaning to an already exciting annual concert. Missed your bagel/saxophone/muffin/acapella/fruit salad fix this year? Stay tuned for Jazz Brunch 2024...bring your appetite for food AND music! (Photo Credit: Diane Green / Harmonic Imbalance, a DS acapella barbershop quartet).

Dover-Sherborn’s Middle School Musical Promises a Supercalifragilistic Evening

It will be a jolly holiday indeed when Dover-Sherborn Middle School’s production of the classic musical Mary Poppins opens at Dover-Sherborn’s Mudge Auditorium for four performances: December 7th at 6:30 pm, December 8th at 7:00 pm, and December 9th at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm. 

The musical, based on the beloved books by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney film, features over 100 Dover-Sherborn middle and high school students in the cast, crew, and orchestra. With music and lyrics by the Sherman Brothers and a script by Julian Fellowes, the show tells the story of a magical nanny named Mary Poppins and what happens when she arrives at 17 Cherry Tree Lane to take charge of the Banks family. 

Audiences can expect the songs they know and love, energetic dance sequences, and some surprises. Director Claire Mackay encourages audiences to see this fun show again and again. “It's a ‘feel good’ story", she said. “You will sing along and find yourself singing long after the curtain comes down.” 

This is the 10th year Mackay and Musical Director Geoff Herrmann have collaborated on the middle school’s fall musical. They are joined by Technical Director Jenifer Sunday and Orchestra Conductor Ardys Flavell.

The production features a double cast with Caroline Johnson and Brynn Cullum sharing the role of Mary Poppins, and Dash Savla and Sully McStravick sharing the role of the loveable chimney sweep Burt. The student actors worked with a professional flying crew to learn how to take flight in the show, which demanded hours and hours of rehearsal. Many thanks to sponsors Sequoia Custom Builders, Inc., My Gym Children's Fitness Center, Launch Entertainment Park, and Wimbledon Tennis & Pickleball Club who made it possible for performers to learn to fly. 

Flying aside, preparing for the musical is no easy feat. All cast members learn difficult dance sequences and three and four part musical harmony. An amazing group of parent volunteers supports performers by keeping things running on the ground. “It’s a real commitment,” said Mackay. “When you're watching the show, know that behind every little scene, there have been hours of rehearsal and dedication.” Mackay loves watching what happens when the show opens and the students make the roles their own. “When we put an audience in, and the kids realize that they have the confidence just to get up there and make this spectacular—it’s just amazing,” she said.

Be a part of the magic. Tickets are available at the door and online at www.ticketstage.com.

Teacher Feature - Mr. Tom Duprey

The continual journey of music making, leadership and growth in education



What is your teaching position at DS? What classes are you currently teaching?

I am the General Music Teacher at DSMS. This means I get to work with and inspire EVERY child who is in 6th, 7th & 8th Grade to the world of MUSIC! These classes include children who do nothing musical - not even listen sometimes! - and play keyboard, guitar, bass or drums in a band. They also compose music and improvise. To be able to share my love of doing all those things professionally with 11-14 year olds really makes me want to keep coming back after these 25 years at DSMS.

Whoa! 25 years is an accomplishment! And that is quite a big workload you've listed there.

Janice Barry (HS Band Director) helps by teaching half of the 7th grade, so I’m lucky there to share in the wealth of her knowledge and ability to teach and turn children onto music! So, I teach most blocks each week and run a Music Lab, as well as work with Janice and the Concert Bands.  

Are you involved in any other performance groups outside of the DS system? Tell me about those experiences.

Yes, I am the trumpet instructor in the Classical and World & Jazz Music Departments at Wellesley College.  I am also a freelance trumpet player. Additionally I play in a group called TickleJuice. We are currently a five piece band, playing original, high energy music, exploring avenues of collective improvisation. TickleJuice lives up to its fun and funny name! Mostly I am hired by people to play a wide variety of styles and ensembles. For instance, in December I will be playing the entire run of Mid Winter Revels at Sanders Theatre at Harvard, as well as 4 church services Christmas Eve and 2 Christmas Day at 3 different churches. It’s good to be a trumpet player in December!

That sounds like a very busy schedule for this month, but I imagine your experiences are incredibly worthwhile. How does playing professionally help you as an educator?

I feel bringing a real life, professional musician attitude into the classroom and ensembles I teach raises the level of musicianship of the students. I tell each class at the beginning of each term that they are all musicians, and I’m going to treat you like a professional. I then continually remind them of this fact throughout the entire 10 weeks I work with them.

The other way my professional life affects the way I teach is that I’m constantly exploring and trying to raise my own level of musicianship. I focus on the process of music making and continued growth, two elements I also stress when teaching any of my students. There really is no end game when you’re a musician, it’s just a constant journey, whether in the short or long term.  

What are some of the upcoming concerts and events for your students?

We have our annual Winter Band Concert on Tuesday, December 12th. This concert features all the 6-12 Jazz Bands, Concert Bands and our DS String Ensemble. This is a fun one because it highlights music being made by students in grades 6-12. It’s also our first evening performance of the year, and gives the students the chance to show off what they’ve been working so hard on for the past 3 months.  

I'll definitely be there! Say, what is this I hear about a Saxophone Fundraiser?

A band needs balance, with all the highs and lows, and different timbres of instruments to create the music we are working on. The Baritone Saxophone is the lowest voice of the saxophone family, and is used in both the concert bands and jazz bands. It’s also very expensive. The bari saxes we have at DS are very well loved, old and tired. Also, our MS students who play it in the jazz band need to lug it from the band room in Lindquist Commons, to the MS Choral Room and back again. So, having a new, high quality instrument will be good for our students at both the middle and high school levels.

Ah, I see. Makes sense to me--I'll keep an eye out for opportunities to donate or check with www.doversherbornfopa.org for more info. On a completely different note (ha ha), tell me something that excites you as an educator this year.

This is year two of a new group that I am running, called the Dover Sherborn Regional Music & Performing Arts Department Leadership Group. I went to a seminar 2 summers ago about the art of being a leader, and affecting change and a professional tone in the Music Department. I saw the value in this for DS, so last year chose some of the student jazz band directors, section leaders and acappella directors and piloted the curriculum. This year the group has expanded to include all chorus and band section leaders, as well as drama officers. I’m extremely impressed with the turnout, our discussions and our work in creating a positive culture change from within the DS performing arts groups, all driven by the STUDENTS!  

That sounds fascinating and totally invigorating for an educator! I'm sure my last question will be an easy one for you: Why do YOU think the arts are important in a school's curriculum?

If done right, the arts give each individual a view of life, and the desire and ability to create things, from different perspectives. It lets us be process focused, rather than product focused. It lets us be messy, make mistakes, laugh at them and move forward in our creative endeavors. The arts allow us to be part of something bigger than ourselves, and tap into something we humans have deep inside just waiting to come out - our value and a sense of belonging - our PURPOSE!  

A Moment to Remember...JB Harvey

We cannot complete another segment of the FoPA newsletter without mentioning the loss of one of our fabulous students: JB Harvey. For those who knew JB, (and even those who didn't) it was a common occurrance to see him grace the stage, both at Chickering during elementary school, at the middle and high school during concerts and in one of the school acapella groups, Noteworthy (pictured). While many had kind things to say about JB, a thoughtful tribute was written by DS Choral and Music Director Geoff Herrmann, who worked with JB on many productions at DS:

As I continue to process through JB’s absence, I have found myself almost daily touched by his memory. When we lose someone, people often talk about the hole they leave in the lives of those around them, but what has surprised me is how full DS continues to be because of JB. Every room into the performing arts department contains a memory of him for me, some obvious and some surprising. When setting up the music lab, I hear him in the sounds of the electric ukuleles we got because he wanted to rock out with his band with distortion. I see him at the piano stand we brought in to fit his wheelchair. I remember his frustration when someone piled heavy speakers in front of the handicap stage elevator, and his joy while performing ridiculous scenarios in Acting Workshop improv games. I see him singing with his powerful voice in the band room with Noteworthy, hear him interrupting rehearsal in the choral room to get us to fix a key part that wasn’t working, and his look of mixed horror and excitement when we first dressed him up in his costume for the Beast in Descendants. JB was such an honest and outspoken student, which came out in our interactions and in his performance. I was blessed to teach him and work with him every single year he was at DSMS and DSHS. My greatest joy was watching his confidence grow from a 6th grader that was very unsure of himself and what he could do - to the high school student that just went straight for what he felt was important with his own JB version of gusto. He continues to reach me and the other students in the many ways he changed the school and us for the better, and continues to appear in places I don’t expect as I teach. I cherish every moment I got to work with JB, and how he still makes my life full.