By Maddy Gaillard, Helen Chizmazia, Oliva Hudak, and Caden Simpson – Advocate Editors

Jonathan Law junior Chris Rickard recently realized a life-long dream when he was invited to the National Association for Music Education All-National Honors Festival in Washington, D.C. 

Rickard, who plays the euphonium, initially qualified for the All-State Festival and then from there he was able to audition for All-National Ensemble. Approximately 121 students in the nation, including senior Noah Held from Foran High School, were invited to participate in this year’s Ensemble.

“The Nationals Ensemble was so fun,” Rickard said. “The music was excellent, and provided challenging but enjoyable music to not just listen to but to play as well. It was nice to not constantly be at the top of my section, but to be around other musicians of similar or better caliber, and see how I can learn from them.”

Rickard said he was extremely impressed by the quality of the musical talent and by the passion of the directors and musicians alike.

“The musicianship was incredible from everyone across all ensembles, being able to meet in one day and be able to perform a full concert of challenging music in the span of three days or less,” Rickard said. “Watching all the ensembles play really put into perspective the expectation I would be held to play at when it was my time to go on stage. Beyond the musical context, the people were great from directors, to performers, or even just the volunteers that helped out.”

Being a member of the Jonathan Law band has been a big part of Rickard’s high school career and helped him receive this recognition. 

“Students who want to participate in these types of groups can definitely be helped by participating in the band at Law,” Law Band Director Mr. Pelaggi said. “We offer a lot of experiences similar to those at these ensembles. Just this week we had Dr. Matthew Doiron from Western Connecticut State University come and run our ensemble for a day. Last year, we commissioned a piece by a professional composer. These activities are similar to those that would happen at festivals like All-State and Nationals.”

Rickard went through a long journey to qualify for this Ensemble event.

“I was invited after submitting an audition tape to the National Association for Music Education (NAfME),” Rickard said. “Why I auditioned was because I just felt like it, but didn’t expect to make it by any means. I just thought it’d be cool to at least audition to see and go a little past All-State.”

In order to submit a National Ensemble audition, Rickard needed to participate in All- Regional and All-State events for your respective State Music Educators Association. Both of these require auditions as well as a short application on past experiences as a musician.

“Normally, all music prepared are solos typically known ahead of time accompanied by a major scale of the Connecticut Music Educators Association’s choosing along with a chromatic scale, both of two octaves if possible for that major scale,” Rickard said. “For the Nationals audition, just the solo preparation would be required, however only about a month would be given to prepare, film, and send the tape. The solo, Sonata for Euphonium, was pretty challenging to learn, and I didn’t even think it was gonna make it. In addition, a second piece may be optionally chosen that is under two minutes to go with the rest of the audition. For this, I played the first movement of The Carnival of Venice. I submitted one of the last auditions on the day they were due.”

Pelaggi said he was happy that Rickard was able to expand his musical career outside of Law.

“I’m happy he was able to get to these events, but I hope he has learned more from participating in them,” Pelaggi said. “It is more important to me that a student learns, whether from me or from another source. Sometimes achievements can be hollow, but I know his path to this event was full of excellent learning experiences. I’m always happy to help my students with their goals. My mission is for my students to become better people and then better musicians. If this path is in their future, I’m happy to assist them in their journey.”