Woodbury's Adella Dzitko-Carlson Performs in College Band

Eastern Student Adella Dzitko-Carlson of Woodbury Performs in New England Intercollegiate Band

WILLIMANTIC, CT -- Five instrumentalists from Eastern Connecticut State University recently performed among the best undergraduate musicians in the Northeast. A clarinetist, a flautist, a percussionist and two trombonists represented Eastern's Music Program in an "honors band" at the 2019 New England Intercollegiate Band Festival on March 29-30 at Gordon College in Massachusetts.

Among the students was Adella Dzitko-Carlson '19 of Woodbury who plays clarinet and is mentored by Professor Chris Howard. Dzitko-Carlson was also selected as one of only three winners of the festival's solo competition, and performed the first movement of Carl Maria von Weber's "Clarinet Concerto No. 2." Dzitko-Carlson majors in Music.

The honors band consisted of approximately 75 young musicians who auditioned from colleges and universities across the region. This year's guest conductor was T. Andrea Feagin of Colorado State University.

"The whole festival was a great experience," said Dzitko-Carlson. "For the solo aspect, we had one run through with the accompanist before performing in the concert. Being selected as one of the winners was an exciting performance opportunity. It's always nice to really feel myself growing and improving as a musician."

She continued: "It was a fun crowd to play for, especially knowing I had friends, faculty and family supporting me from the audience. We all owe a lot to our great mentors at Eastern for helping us get to this level, especially my teacher Chris Howard and our band director Kelly Watkins, who are both incredibly supportive.

"Since coming to Eastern, I've developed the technical aspects of my playing as well as grown in my ability to perform and communicate through music," said Dzitko-Carlson. "Eastern is a great place to study because of the supportive environment of the department and the support we receive from our faculty. Both our full-time professors and our adjunct faculty are committed to giving us all the time and support we need to be as successful as possible."

Her faculty mentor, Chris Howard, commented on her progress over three years in the Music Program: "Adella's playing has developed tremendously in every facet, including her musicianship, technical ability and knowledge of the repertoire. This was her third year performing in this ensemble - first playing in the section, then playing as the band's principal clarinetist, and now as a featured soloist. What a testament to her progress!"

This was the third year Eastern students have participated in the New England Intercollegiate Band. Auditions were coordinated by Kelly Watkins, director of Eastern's Concert Band.

"We are extremely proud of the work of these students," concluded Emily Riggs, voice professor and chair of the Music Program. "We're grateful to the many faculty members who have mentored their development and are thrilled that these students have earned the opportunity to represent Eastern at this regional festival."