Friends of the Marlborough Library Announce Concert

From the Friends of the Marlborough Public Library:

“THE Anick 19th Young People’s Performing Arts Festival Concert” - Wednesday, May 25th - 7 PM

An outstanding group of area high school age musicians will present a professional level fifth concert of the 2015-2016 Yacyshyn Concert Series at “The Anick 19th Young People’s Performing Arts Festival Concert” on Wednesday evening, May 25th at 7 PM. These finalists of the auditions held on March 5th were chosen by a panel of three judges— Matthew McGarrell, John Clark, and Doug Weeks.

The Friends of the Marlborough Public Library will present the concert in the Bigelow Auditorium of the Marlborough Public Library, 35 West Main St., Marlborough which is fully handicapped accessible. The concert is open to the public and admission is free. Performing will be Savant Liu, oboist, from Westborough; The Marlborough High School Jazz Trio from Marlborough; Michael Lahiff, clarinetist, from Westwood; and the Andrew Wilcox Jazz Quintet. They will receive a Scholarship Award plus the “Anick Award for Musical Excellence” named in Honor of Connie Anick for her ten years of serving as Friends Music Chair and the founder of the Young People’s Performing Arts Festival Concerts.

Savant Liu is a tenth grader from Westborough High School. He has been playing oboe for 7 years and studies with Joe Halko. Some of his notable achievements include first chair at Junior District Orchestra for two years. He also participates in the Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra as the principal chair. His hobbies include reading and running.

The Marlborough High School Jazz Trio consists of Kaley Davis, piano, Justin Bartlet, alto sax, and John Naoum, drums. Juniors Justin Bartlett and John Naoum, and sophomore Kaley Davis all attend Marlborough High School. They are all members of the MHS Jazz Ensemble and Tri-M music honor society. Justin and John participate in Wind Ensemble. John is Vice President of Wind Ensemble. Justin is drum major in the marching band. Kaley is a member of the contemporary a cappella group Voices Rechoired, as well as the Drama Club. They started playing together as a trio since this past January, and all share a passion for music.

Michael Lahiff is a sophomore at Westwood High School. He studies clarinet with Melissa Laurencio, and plays in the Westwood High School Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. Most recently, Michael performed at the MMEA All-State Festival at Symphony Hall. He currently performs as co-principal clarinet at Rivers Youth Orchestra in Weston, Massachusetts under the direction of Christopher Memoli. Previously, he performed as co-principal under the Direction of David Martins at The Rivers School Wind Ensemble. At the MICCA Solo and Ensemble Festivals, he has received four gold medals and one silver medal for his solo and small ensemble performances. Michael has performed with MMEA Honors Eastern District bands since 7th grade where he played clarinet. After success with the clarinet, Michael decided to study the alto saxophone, and performed in the school’s jazz band.

A series of significant achievements followed for Lahiff. In eighth grade he received the second highest score in his district on clarinet, but also was awarded the baritone saxophone position and performed with the jazz band at that year’s festival. Michael studied saxophone with John Clark in the eighth grade. He participated in the Senior District Festival in his freshman and sophomore year, and was accepted into the Allstate Festival. During the summer months, he plays clarinet in the Westwood Winds, a group of Westwood High Alumni, under the direction of James Giurleo. A tenor, Michael sings in “Passing Notes,” the Westwood High School A Cappella Choir. An actor since middle school, he performs in Westwood High School theater productions, as well as in lead parts at The Orpheum Theater in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Notable roles include: Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie; Daniel Beauxhomme in Once on This Island; and Kenickie in Grease. Michael received an academic scholarship in 2015 to attend a Yale University summer program where he studied neuroscience, Spanish and theater. He is an avid swimmer and runner.

The Andrew Wilcox Jazz Quintet:

Andrew Wilcox, pianist, a member of this year’s All-State Jazz Band, has studied under Zaccai Curtis, Dick Odgren, and Beck Burger. Recently, Andrew received the Dennis Wrenn All-State Music Award.

Andrew Bedard, tenor saxophone, was the lead tenor in the All-State Jazz Band. He has studied under Jerry Sabatini, Tucker Antell, and Bill Jones. In May of 2015, he was featured in a masterclass with jazz musician Chris Brubeck.

Dan Yapp, trumpet, was the lead trumpet player in the Central District Jazz Band. He has studied with Ingrid Jensen and Trent Austin. He was also the recipient of the Overall Outstanding Musicianship Award from MAJE.

Austin Hartshorn, bass, was the bass player in the 2016 Central District Jazz Band. Intending to pursue other interests, he has decided to continue his education at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Aidan Knowles, drums, has been a long time student of Mike Rinker. In addition to playing the drums, he also plays the vibraphone, and was a recipient of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award.

Leslie Havens, Music Chair of The Friends, states “The caliber and talent of this year’s finalists once again points out the pool of talent in this area as outstanding. I would like to point out that this is not just a “music recital” but great performances by very talented young people. This concert presentation has become a launching pad for many of the finalists who have gone onto very productive musical careers.”

This event marks the fifth concert of the 2015-2016 Yacyshyn Concert Series named in memory of The Friends First Music Chair Martha Yacyshyn in this the Friends 46th season of presenting this free concert series. For further information on the Young People’s Concert, please call (617) 524-3775 or (413) 648-9663 or email: rajohnson736@gmail.com. This concert is funded in part by a grant from the Ezra Cutting Trust-Bank of America, Trustee; a grant from the Marlborough Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency; The Friends Memorial Fund; a Gift from the Cummings Properties in Honor of Ginger Ryan and the Marlborough Brigham Family Trust.