Watertown Musicians Invited to Play at the First Annual MusicFest

Watertown musicians are invited to take part in MusicFest, an event that will benefit the music program in the Watertown Public Schools.

The event will be held March 30 from 6:30 p.m to 10 p.m. at Watertown Middle School, and is organized by the Friends of Watertown Music.

"The MusicFest will be a celebration of music in Watertown and will feature concurrent solo and group performances by students, teachers, and community musicians of all ages and abilities," according to a release from the Friends of Watertown Music.

To sign up to perform or volunteer, email the Friends of Watertown Music by March 20 at hellowatertownmusic@gmail.com.

Along with the musical performances, there will be an instrument "petting zoo," pizza, refreshments, and a bake sale. A donation of $8 per person or $25 per family is suggested.  

Friends of Watertown Music

The group started last year when the Watertown Public Schools' music program suffered budget cuts, said Chris Lowery, a member of Friends of Watertown Music.

"Friends of Watertown Music formed in response to yet more cuts in the music program in the hope that parents, residents, and anyone dedicated to music could have a vehicle for bolstering music education in the schools," Lowery wrote in an email. "We are working with the teachers and administrators to hear their vision for moving the department forward."

Lowery notes that general music ends in sixth grade and there are no non-performance electives (just chorus, band, and strings). Also, students cannot begin an instrument after fourth grade, and not all instruments are available at the three elementary schools.

The group acts like a booster club for music, but eventually members want to make sure there are no budget gaps in the music program.

The Friends of Watertown Music has already made a small grant, which ensured that students accepted into the Massachsetts Music Educators Association junior district, senior district, and all-state festivals are able to attend, Lowery said.

For information about Friends of Watertown Music, go to http://watertownmusic.org/