On Tuesday, March 10th, over 400 band students across all schools and grade levels came together in the Hingham High School gym for the annual All- Town Concert. Each year, the concert has a different theme– this year’s being- the movies!

To kick off the night, both high school groups, concert band and wind ensemble, delivered a thunderous James Bond medley– only the beginning of what would become an exciting night. From fifth grade’s performance of “Golden” to “Wicked” played by a concert band, the night was filled with great hits for the younger audiences. However, the wind ensemble jumped back in time, with a piece entitled “At The Movies: The Classics,” including experts from Singing in the Rain, Space Odyssey, The Good the Bad and the Ugly, as well as the iconic training song from Rocky. 

One of the most special parts of All- Town is getting to see the growth within the program. The concert moves chronologically, from the youngest musicians from the fifth grade band, to the Wind Ensemble from the high school, made up of largely upperclassmen. Although all groups showcase immense talent and skill, watching each year in progression highlights just how much improvement can be made within just one year of work, and even greater, how far a student can come from first picking up their instrument to one of their last concerts in senior year.

This year, a new tradition began– the senior class and fifth grade class entered together and performed as one. As the fifth graders largely outnumbered the seniors, it is clear to see that continuing band throughout the entirety of one’s time at Hingham is quite special and that not everyone continues past their first years. This moment showcased the connection and community within the band program.

One of the major goals of the All- Town is to get younger students to continue with their band careers, but beyond that, to also be excited for their future! Reflecting on this sentiment Freshman Maisie MacPherson, a member of the band program remarked, “this year was my first all town as a high schooler, and has definitely been the best so far. I love the idea of being able to inspire the younger students to stay in the band with the high school performances!”

Freshman Addison McKenna stated how important seeing All-Town was to her as a student in younger years; “seeing each group when I was younger made me excited to progress because it inspired me to become a better musician.”

If the music or posters lining the hallway was not enough to convince them, Tuesday’s performance also included a few amazing student speeches– speaking to the greatness of the band program. 

Sophomore Liam O’Toole spoke of his gratitude for the community he feels for the program and all the work that the Hingham Music Parents Association does to support the program.

Additionally, each year, one senior is selected to deliver a speech at the concert. This year that senior was Zoe Shute. In her speech Zoe reflected on everything that has made band mean so much to her. She talked about remaining one of the only constants in the constantly changing and stressful world of school was having band class everyday and a built in community for tough times.

One of the most memorable parts of her speech was her closing remark, stating how she looked back on how far she has come throughout her time in high school and realized a lot of it can be credited to her time as a musician in a band, and she extended her hope that all students in the room would feel the same way when it was their time.

The perfect conclusion to such an amazing night came when all students of all grades and schools came together for one final piece. This year, that piece was none other than the iconic ‘Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing– the title itself providing an accurate summary of the night.  

This year’s All-Town concert was a testament to all the work that goes into having such a successful and talented program. The clear progression from year to year demonstrated not only improving skills, but the great deal of work the band educators, Ms. Crook and Mr. Cincotta, put into their students. The band program is such a treasure to the school system and town as a whole: bringing more than just beautiful music to the community.

As course selection throughout the schools kicks off, find a place for a band or any music class in your schedule. If you are a parent to a young student, encourage them to start or stick with a band.  I

f you are simply a fan, look out for what’s next for the Hingham High School band this spring!