MOHAWK TRAIL REGIONAL SCHOOL CELEBRATES
MIOSM:
MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS MONTH
March has been officially designated by the National Association for Music Education
(NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM®).
The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community and to display the benefits school music brings to students of all ages.* *NAfME website: www.nafme.org
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For Mohawk Trail Regional Schools, participation in MIOSM allows the students, staff and community to connect with others though music. MIOSM reminds us that through music we all learn and grow independently and in unity; we make connections with the other disciplines, with history, the community, culture and the other arts; we create, respond, and perform together. The MTRS Music Department emulates this, therefore, it is only fitting that it participates in this year’s MIOSM national campaign.
The MTRS Music Department values and supports its students in becoming competent audiences and lifelong musicians, as well as ethical, responsible and creative citizens. Giving them opportunities to collaborate in ensembles, projects, and performances, regardless of size, ensures the future’s progress; we must prepare to pass the baton to the next generation in hopes that their creative endeavors make the world and our own community a better a place. Participating in MIOSM permits the MTRS Music
Department to demonstrate its philosophy as it strives to assist in their students’ personal and musical growth.
The MTRS Music Department invites parents and the community to all music events
in March. To read more about MIOSM’s national campaign please visit www.nafme.org
. More information about MIOSM at Mohawk can be viewed within this newsletter, the MMA website (Mohawk Music Association), and online at
<classes.mohawkschools.org> under “MIOSM”.
Help keep music in our schools. We look forward to your support as audiences in our
MISOM and other Spring Music events.
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MTRS MIOSM CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sunday March 4 @ 1pm– Afternoon Cabaret. Help us kick-off MIOSM by joining us for an afternoon of music listening with a variety of music styles from classical, jazz, show tunes, and 30+ member barbershop acapella ensemble ‘Cheshiremen’. Coffee, tea, hors d’oeuvres and sweets will be served at table. Performances given by amateur and

professional musician friends in support of MTRS MIOSM.
Hosted by MTRHS Student Music Council. Free admission. Suggested Donation $10. For
Reservations: call 413-625-9811 x1317
Wednesday March 7 @ 12:00-2:15 pm – Vocal Workshop. Choral Composer legend
Alice Parker will be conducting a vocal workshop for Gr. 7-12 students. Students will be performing Ms. Parker’s compositions as she guides them in technique and musicianship. Audience attendance is encouraged and open for community, students, and music enthusiasts. Hosted by MMA: Mohawk Music Association in support of the MTRS
Music Department. Held at MTRS Auditorium. Admission Free.
Wednesday March 14 @ 12:00-2:15 pm – Instrumental Workshop. Combined grades 7-
12 Band students will participate in a workshop given by Wind Ensemble composer Bob
Ellison. Students will be performing two contrasting works. Hosted by MMA: Mohawk
Music Association in support of the MTRS Music Department. Held in MTRS Music Room.
Friday and Saturday March 16 , March 17 @6:30pm & Sunday March 18 @ 2:30pm -
“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” – All-School Musical
This 2007 revised production is comedic and uplifting for all the family to enjoy. “Goin’ courting” has never been as much fun as in this rip-roaring stage version of the popular
MGM movie, adapted by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay.
“Millie is a young bride living in the 1850's Oregon wilderness whose plan to civilize and marry off her six rowdy brothers-in-law to ensure the success of her own marriage backfires when the brothers, in their enthusiasm, kidnap six women from a neighboring town to be their brides. Bursting with the rambunctious energy of the original film, SEVEN
BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS is all boisterous fun and romance that harkens back to the glory days of the movie musical.” - courtesy of < www.mtishows.com
> Music Theater
International
Gr. 7-12 MTRS Students comprise of the cast and crew including MTRS Teachers Michael
Browning and Julia White. Directed by DoraThea C. Kastanas (Music Director); Leanne
Blaszak, - Producer; Angie Cullinan (MTRS Guidance Counselor)- Choreographer; Sean
Conlon (MS Teacher)- Lighting; Barb Harris (Parent)- Cosmetics; Karen Lapore (Parent)-
Costumes. Shows held at MTRS Auditorium.
Admission $10; $8 Students ages 6-18/Senior Citizen; $5 Age 5 and under
Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.showtix4u.com

Saturday March 24 @ 7:00pm Mohawk Music Alumni Concert.
The Mohawk Music Association presents a first ever, absolutely unique concert of Mohawk musical talent from across the years! The concert will take place on Saturday, March 24,
2012 at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:00) in the auditorium. This is special fund-raising event will bring together many Mohawk music students of years past with all current music students, in a unique program of musical acts.
The purpose of this Alumni Concert is to awaken, inspire and galvanize the Mohawk community of yesterday and today through the arts. For many current students and alumni, the music department plays/has played a vital role throughout their high school experience, leaving lasting impressions. Memories of concert band, jazz band, chorus, select chorus, musicals, music trips and friendships forged will act as a vessel to excite our next generation of musicians. The concert’s eclectic lineup will show current students that music and the arts can continue to influence people’s lives outside of high school, whether it is on a professional or recreational level.
All Mohawk Music Alumni Concert tickets are $10.00. Tickets can be purchased: online at www.mohawkmusicassociation.org; by phone at (413) 336-5693; or at the World Eye
Bookshop or Mocha Maya’s.
The line-up of performers includes:
Tory Hanna & Chris Neil (MCs)
Shelburne Falls Military Band
Becky Racz – Amy Roberts
Combined M.S./H.S. Chorus (performing pieces from their vocal workshop)
Juniper Holmes – Meredith Miller
Combined M.S./H.S Band (performing pieces from their band workshop)
Small Change
Agona Hardison’s Band
Alumni select choir
Trailer Park
And some surprises!
For Mohawk alumni interested in singing or playing in the final number of the concert, please contact Shelley Roberts for more details via email. shelleyrobertssoprano@gmail.com.
The Alumni Concert is sponsored in part by Greenfield Savings Bank, People’s United Bank, and several Local Cultural Councils. This program is supported in part by grants from the
Ashfield, Buckland, Hawley, Charlemont, and Shelburne Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. The MMA thanks these businesses and organizations for sponsorship.
The Mohawk Music Association (MMA)
The Mohawk Music Association (MMA) is a nonprofit service organization made up of

parents and community members invested in supporting the middle school and high school music programs at the Mohawk Trail Regional School. All proceeds of the Alumni Concert will be used by the MMA in its ongoing quest to help the music departments with various needs, assist students in paying for music trips, and provide scholarships for graduating music students. Please visit the organization’s website at http://www.mohawkmusicassociation.org/ .