Health & Fitness
Music tech goes out in style
The free concert was just the latest of many that showcased work from the music technology students, the first being in January 2010. But unfortunately, it is likely to be the last.
“Shock and Awe.” “Laser Lights.” “Nightmare.”
These are just a few of the student created pieces that were presented and performed at the Songwriting & Film Scoring Showcase on May 18. The free concert was just the latest of many that showcased work from the music technology students, the first being “Sonic Voyages” in January 2010. But unfortunately, it is likely to be the last.
After a short three years at AHS, music technology is disappearing from the performing arts department. John DiTomaso, the only full-time music technology teacher, has been teaching the program for three years. His position and the program are being cut for budget reasons.
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The program was not only paid for by school funds and an anonymous, generous donation, but also by matching donations from the Performing Arts Parents Association (PAPA). “I really cannot speak for the grant money or fate of the equipment following my exit,” DiTomaso said.
Since its inception in 2008, the program has been very successful in providing students “a way to express themselves musically, as opposed to visually,” said David Fuller, a sophomore and a second year student who has since moved up to the advanced class.
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At the May 18 concert, more than 30 new pieces of music were presented, all written and produced by music tech students. DiTomaso gushed that “so many pieces demonstrated thoughtful craftsmanship and artistic development that the class allows students to develop. There were pieces based on poetry, history and current events, as well as entertaining and unique musical expressions of life from a student's perspective.”
“It’s not fair,” states Timothy Stewart Brown, an upset senior who has started a petition to keep the class since hearing the news. “It’s depriving the underclassman of this wonderful opportunity to express themselves.” He has received around 500 signatures for such petition and is aiming at 1,000 before officially presenting it to the school committee.
“It’s one of the only reasons I still find some enjoyment in school,” Fuller said. “We are unique in terms of what we do.”
Check out the program's website for more information.
