Farewell to Fermi Concert to Feature Past and Present Musicians

ENFIELD, CT - With Enrico Fermi High School slated to close at the end of June, several alumni have banded together to assemble a musical farewell to the Enfield school.

That effort has resulted in the "Farewell to Fermi Concert," initiated by alumni Larry Carbonell and Kat Smith-Ouellette. The afternoon of instrumental music is scheduled for Sunday, May 22 at 1 p.m. in the Fermi auditorium.

About 80 instrumental music alumni will take part in the concert, as well as current music students, Carbonell said. He added that original band director John Mariano has stated his intention to attend the event.

Current band director Mark Reppucci will be participating, and in a letter to the organizers, the family of former director Sam Macaluso said he and his family will attend if he is physically able.

Of the four instrumental music directors in the school's 45-year history, only Rod Crochiere is deceased.

"It's a thank you to those who got us where we are today," Carbonell said in a phone interview from his home in Pennsylvania Friday. "Some of us still play after 45 years, all due to starting with the Fermi music program."

Carbonell said response from alumni has been tremendous.

"People are coming in from all over the country, from as far away as Seattle," he said.

The concert will feature performances by an alumni concert band, the current jazz ensemble, a junior alumni jazz ensemble of students from the mid-1990s through today, and a senior alumni jazz ensemble will performers from the 1970s through 1990.

There is no admission charge, but donations will be accepted at the door. Proceeds will benefit the music program at the new combined Enfield High School.

The organizers have set up a Facebook page with more information about the event. To visit it, click here.

Photos courtesy of Larry Carbonell and Fran Bowker