CA Student Musicians Step Into the Spotlight at MMEA Festival
The Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) Junior District Festival took place March 7–8 at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School in Sudbury, Mass., bringing together some of the most gifted young musicians in the state for a weekend of music and learning.
Director of the Chamber and Orchestral Program Andra Dix describes the program as transformative: “When students participate in the district festivals, I am always impressed by their growth—both musically and personally. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them realize that all their hard work, dedication, and countless hours of practice have led them to this moment. They gain confidence and feel immense pride as musicians.”
Thousands of students apply for the opportunity to perform at the festival, and CA was well-represented. Milo DuBois ’28 and Lena Sillman ’28 were selected for the festival band, and Alfred Bull ’28, Theo Kelman ’28, and Sophie Qiao ’28 performed in the orchestra.
Building on this moment, another MMEA event took place on March 27 at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass., the Contemporary Creator’s Festival. The event spotlighted student composers and musicians who are pushing the boundaries of contemporary music styles.
Among the performers, CA’s Vocal Jazz and Pop Ensemble took center stage during the Spotlight Concert with Sturgis East School from Hyannis, Mass. The day also included the Contemporary Composers Forum, where Andrew Wood-Sue Wing ’25 showcased an original composition.
Jazz Ensemble Director Christopher Gagne shared his enthusiasm for the program: “It turned into a collaborative experience between the two groups. We shared equipment and had time to connect about music before and after the performance. The concert went great, and the group got nothing but positive feedback! Members of both ensembles were so invested and genuinely rooting for everyone to play their best—it created a positive energy.”
Another major highlight was May Zheng ’26’s opportunity to perform with the MMEA All-State Chorus at Symphony Hall in Boston on March 23—an unforgettable moment for the young vocalist. “The passion and artistry of these exceptionally talented singers was breathtaking,” Dix shares.
The series of MMEA events underscored the commitment of CA student musicians. “Watching them collaborate with other talented performers and rise to the challenge of a high-level performance is truly inspiring,” Dix says.
