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The Northern Essex Community College Music Program, under the direction of program coordinator Ken Langer, will partner with the Merrimack Valley Concert Band to bring new classes and performances to the college this fall.
Beginning in September, the Merrimack Valley Concert Band, under newly appointed director Anthony Beatrice, will rehearse regularly on the NECC campus in Haverhill. Students at the college will be able to become a member of the band and receive college credit by registering for the concert band class. All music majors at NECC are required to be a member of a performing ensemble and this partnership will provide an additional opportunity for students who have played in a concert band to continue their studies and to fulfill requirements.
The Merrimack Valley Concert Band is a traditional community concert band with its roots in West Newbury. The band of about 40 includes members from many towns in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, the ages and music backgrounds of band members are varied.
Outgoing band director Karen Mundo said the partnership is a welcome one, adding, "It will raise the profile of the band as well as give it a central location to meet. It fills a need at the college where there is currently no concert band ensemble and it provides Northern Essex students with college credits."
When the band begins rehearsals in the fall it will be under the baton of Beatrice, a 2002 Pentucket graduate and Pentucket Regional High School and Middle School concert band director and music production teacher. He holds a bachelor's and master's from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
NECC offers a general studies degree with a music option that "provides a foundation for success in musical performance, music education, and music computer technology. Students gain skills in music theory and ear-training, experience music from all cultures and styles, learn how to read and write music, and take part in performance workshops. This degree will transfer to four-year music programs," according to a release from the college. The college also has a certificate in music technology which covers designing and implementing a musical recording studio.
For additional information about the NECC Music Program or the partnership with the Merrimack Valley Concert Band, contact Ken Langer, Music Program Coordinator, at 978-556-3223 or at klanger@necc.mass.edu.
