CHS students perform with state's best

Dec. 1—COVENTRY — Twelve students from the Coventry High School Music Department got a chance to rehearse and perform with some of the best conductors in Connecticut earlier this month.

This was all part of the Charter Oak Music Festival, which was hosted at Bacon Academy in Colchester.

CHS Band Director Hannah Cole said the school has participated in the concert for many years, including all eight years she has worked in the Coventry Public School District.

Students rehearsed in the afternoons, which culminated with a concert on the evening of November 9. Seven CHS students performed in the concert band and five students participated in the concert choir.

CHS students were able to rehearse and perform with students from eight other schools, which included Bacon Academy as well as E.O. Smith, Montville, RHAM, Lyman Memorial, Portland, Middletown and Windham High Schools.

Cole noted the concert provides students with opportunities to improve their music and social skills.

"It's a really great event for kids to meet other kids from other schools," Cole said.

Students performed under the direction of guest conductors, who were music educators from around the state. Those conductors are held in high regard for the quality of their own ensembles.

The Coventry Public School District was proud of the way their students carried themselves

See STUDENTS, Page 4