Rocky Hill High School Trio Performs At Travelers Chorale Concert

Three Rocky Hill High School students recently performed at the Bushnell as members of the Colchester Civic Orchestra. The orchestra was featured in the 89th annual Travelers Chorale Concert. 

The students, Sally Kurdziel, Amelia Pizzoferrato, and Amanda Coler, sat in with musicians who had been playing their instrument for more than 30 years as opposed to their peers who has just started playing an instrument or have been playing for a short time, according to Jim Shuman Band Director at Rocky Hill High School / Elementary School.

"This experience has been great for them and the music department for a number of reasons," Shuman said. "It's great because they learn from these professionals and bring it back to show their band mates new things. It's also great because they see the level of performance by the professionals. Then they take it back and make our group better."

The 89th Annual Travelers Chorale Spring Concert was held at the 2,800-seat Mortensen Hall at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts. 

Rocky Hill High School's music department offers a number of different bands for students. There is the symphony band, jazz band, marching band, pep band, tow percussion groups and three choirs.

"These three girls are in just about every one of those groups, Shuman said. 

Sally Kurdziel is a junior and plays the bassoon, Amelia Pizzoferrato is a senior and plays cello and Amanda Coler is a junior and plays the tuba. 

Shuman said he received a letter asking for recommendations for the group and all three of the girls he recommended were selected.

"They are great kids,' Shuman said. "They are here all the time and working hard. It's nice to shine the light on them."