Flute, piano, a little jazz at regional recital

SALISBURY — The 29th annual Open Recital of Area Music Students offered everything from tingling piano duets and an angelic chorus to a grooving jazz band. The performances were held in the parish house of the Congregational Church on Feb. 28.

The program featured a wide range of students, from third-graders to high school seniors from Region One schools. There were also students of private teachers from the Tri-state region.

Students are invited by their music teachers to perform in the recital. They are asked not to invite the same students in two consecutive years.

The open recital is sponsored by the Arts Fund for Region One, which works to increase art opportunities for children in the six towns of Region One (Cornwall, Falls Village, Kent, North Canaan, Sharon and Salisbury). Since 1992, the Arts Fund has raised money for programs through fundraising events and donations.

This year’s recital featured four piano numbers. One was a duet performed by sisters Patricia and Katherine McGuire, who sat side by side as they played “Three Bohemian Dances: Song, Dance, Polka.�

Marisa Arnone, a flutist, performed the most pieces, playing four songs including a Scottish folk song and a Spanish lullaby.

Christy Park, a solo violinist, performed a concerto that utilized a wide range of techniques. She was treated to enthusiastic applause from the audience after she finished.  

The Salisbury School Jazz Ensemble performed, even though four of its members were absent. They performed seamlessly and ended the concert on an upbeat note.

Jo Loi, co-chairman of the Open Recital of Area Music Students, said the recital allows students to hear and see what other children are doing, even if they aren’t typically in their circle of influence. She said she hopes the event will inspire students to continue their studies and keep the arts in the community.

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