By Audrey Anderson
Hometown Weekly Reporter
A talented and friendly group of Needham High School students performed an intimate evening concert of eclectic music in the Needham Public Library’s Community Room. The enthusiasm of the musicians was infectious, as they set up decorations and a snack table in the room, warmed up their instruments, and introduced and played their pieces.
The concert was presented by the Needham High School’s TRI-M music honor society chapter. The national TRI-M organization’s name comes from its alternate moniker, Modern Music Masters. It is a program of the National Association for Music Educators that was founded in 1936. Students that participate in the society are recognized for going above and beyond in their musical and academic studies, and they also work to offer music service projects to their communities, thereby raising money for worthy causes.
The evening’s program started out with a brass quintet, “Wiesch’s Hot Five,” with members Zachary Wiesch, Charlie Richmond, Spencer Seidel, Corbin Seidel, and Seth Feigenbaum, playing Danzon No. 2 by Gustavo Dudamel-Marquez, which included the lively tune popularly known as “Putting on the Ritz.” Next, violinist Laura Krauss presented Sonata No. 5 by Eugene Ysaye. The overall impression was of a haunting, emotional modern piece.
Antony Borelli followed with his original folk songs on guitar. The audience could feel Borelli’s energy as he presented songs about his interpretations of everyday life. Following Borelli, Zachary Wiesch played “The Carnival of Venice” by Jean Baptiste Ardan on trombone. He impressed the audience with his breath control and quick slide work in the demanding piece.
Ryan McCarthy followed on violin with a fine performance of “The Hot Canary” by Paul Nero. This piece included many flourishes which sounded like a bird singing. Next, Madeleine Rowe offered a light, lyrical touch as she sang her beautiful original song “Free” with a recorded accompaniment.
The last two performances included flautist Julia Rowe’s accomplished performance of Mozart’s Concerto No. 6 and Julia Rowe and Anthony Borelli playing guitar and singing rock songs “She” by Green Day and “Aliens Exist” by Blink 182, with their voices combining in well-tuned harmony.
