Band Seniors and the Significance of Music Instruction

[FULL STORY]

On April 25, the Isidore Newman School Concert Band presented its Spring Concert in the Henson Auditorium. Playing before a full house composed of parents, students, and faculty, the band performed a wide variety of compositions. There were complex classics including the theme from Les Miserables, standards such as the alma mater, and whimsical pieces, such as "Under the Sea" from Disney’s The Little Mermaid, accompanied by a cloud of bubbles rising through the theater. The concert took a sentimental turn when the band seniors honored Newman’s band director, Brian Dufour.

During a break in the music, the graduating senior band members took some time to express their feelings about being in the band over the years. Heartfelt and poignant, the seniors’ statements underlined the significance and importance of having a strong arts program and a musical component to the school curriculum.

Many of the seniors honored Band Director Brian Dufour for his instruction and leadership over the years. Ian Athmann said, “I’ve really enjoyed the last eight years in band, and it has been such a rewarding experience. I just want to say thanks to Mr. Dufour for all that he’s done to make it possible.” Rebecca Holman extended the thanks to include Telly Higgins, who leads bands in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools: “Band has been one of the best experiences of my Newman career, and I want to thank Mr. Dufour, and I am so glad Mr. Higgins decided to return to us after we lost him for a year, because I can’t imagine the band without both of our directors.”

Spencer Stanley credited Mr. Dufour with helping him learn a wide range of instruments, saying, "Today, I play six different instruments, and Mr. Dufour has had a hand in teaching me four of those. This man has almost singlehandedly made music a part of my life, and for that I am incredibly grateful.”

Vincent Rodomista saw band and the Band Room as his center and his home away from home on the Newman Campus. “Band has always had significance for me because in middle school and high school I was always in the Band Room. I have probably spent more time in the Band Room than any other place at Newman. It has always been a constant and it has been nice to be able to go to band every day,” he said. Jules Vetter expressed that his time in band helped him realize how important music was to him, saying “I have to say it’s been a really enjoyable experience, and I am so glad that I have been able to be a part of it here. It has really made music a central part of my life.”

After their commencement ceremony, these seniors will move on to universities around the nation, and we hope that they will take their love of music with them. We know they will carry cherished memories of their time at the School and their time with the Newman Band.