Reaching for the High Notes

Students Take their Musical Talents to the Next Step at Claflin Hill

When James Cassidy reached the ninth grade, he had a scheduling conflict and was unable to join his school's wind ensemble that year and play the French horn. The Westwood High student, who had enjoyed playing the brass instrument since the fifth grade, was spurred to look for a new outlet for his musical talents.

Then, he found the Claflin Hill Youth Symphony.

"I wanted to find a new experience and expand my skills outside of what I did in school," the 18-year-old Cassidy explained. "It's given me a better experience and challenged me more than a school orchestra would have. I think I've benefited greatly from it."

Paul Surapine, the longtime founder and music director of the professional adult Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, established in 2000 and based in Milford, has led the youth orchestra for 14 seasons. It has grown from 40 to 60 students since 2013 when the orchestra merged with the MetroWest Youth Symphony Orchestra.

The well-regarded Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies organization has three components: The Repertory Ensemble, for less advanced students who play string instruments like the violin and cello starting at age 8 to around 14; the Clafllin Hill Youth Symphony, offering advanced orchestral training for students who play both string and wind instruments (like the clarinet and flute) beginning in middle school to high school, ages 12 to 18; and the Wind Ensemble, for students who play challenging original compositions for woodwind, brass and percussion, also for middle-schoolers and high schoolers ages 12 to 18.

Surapine connects the students with the adult professional musicians in the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra through mentorship and through practicing and performing together. Younger musicians become more proficient while they play complex pieces alongside the adults.

The youth symphonies played their season finale at MassBay Community College in Wellesley on May 15. Young students in the Repertory Ensemble opened with a classical concerto for violin and orchestra followed by an early American folk hymn, then military style songs. The Wind Ensemble played music from Michael Flatley's blockbuster production "The Lord of the Dance." The Youth Symphony played classical music by Haydn, dramatic songs from Gustav Holst's "Mars, Bringer of War," and concluded with songs from "Stars Wars."

Percussionist Trent Jones, a high school senior from Algonquin Regional came to Claflin Hill through his instructor who plays in Claflin Hill's adult orchestra.

"I have learned so much about percussion by doing this," Jones, 18, said. "Before, I used to play in the jazz band and was a drum player. That was all I really did. I've grown so much as a musician." The Northborough resident now gets to play other instruments such as timpani, snare drum and cymbals.

Whitinsville resident Jacob LaChapelle, 17, plays cello.

"The level of playing here is to a higher standard than most youth symphonies that I've seen," said LaChapelle, a senior at St. John's High School in Shrewsbury. "It's been quite a run for the past four years. It's been tough at times. But I've grown a lot." Jacob now mentors younger students.

"Paul's really good with the kids," said Jacob's father, Joseph LaChapelle. "They start at repertory, then they move up to regular youth orchestra. Playing with higher-level musicians gives them a sound to emulate."

The young musicians get the chance to play with the professional Claflin Hill musicians in the Grand Ballroom at Milford Town Hall and other venues, LaChapelle added.

Cellist Domenic Narducci, 18, of Franklin, said it's been a good experience for him.

"It's really helped me in terms of being a musician, I think I learned more about playing in a large group," said the Franklin High senior. "In high school we have a group, but it's not large. (At Claflin) we have a full orchestra."

To join any of the Claflin Hill youth musical groups, students must take private lessons to help take their musical skills to the next level.

"A lot of the music we play at Claflin Hill is a lot like the music that the adults play, added Cassidy. "Paul always tries to get us to play at the highest level. Even though you're young, you have all this potential to make great music."

Practices are more meaningful when they are working toward a scheduled performance, the students say, and especially when they will be performing alongside professional musicians.

"When I was taking lessons it got kind of mundane after a while," Jacob LaChapelle said. "It just got kind of routine. With an orchestra, you're with other kids."

Auditions for new members of Claflin Hill Youth Symphony are scheduled for June 5. So, what advice do these high school seniors have for prospective new musicians?

"Don't be discouraged by either the level of playing or what you're playing at. Just go into it ready to strive to be challenged and improve yourself and your own playing," said Cassidy. "Paul really accepts anyone who wants to join. If they are really passionate about it, he will give them the guidance and the skills."

"I feel that you have to have the desire to do it," said Jones, the percussionist. "Paul demands a lot from students. He wants them to become better musicians and wants them to succeed."

"I prepared myself and music for (the audition)," said Narducci, the cellist from Franklin. "I think that anybody that wants it should try their best."

LaChapelle said musicians who audition need to play accurately. "Judges look at that more than tempo. Get it right the first time, then you'll pick up the tempo."

Performing with the Claflin Hill Youth Symphony requires a commitment – they spend up to five hours practicing every Sunday at MassBay.

"They are working very hard and mastering this music," Surapine said. "It's a great privilege and honor to conduct some of the best musicians in the area."

The Claflin Hill Youth Symphony Orchestra will hold auditions for the fall 2016 season on Sunday, June 5 at MassBay Community College, 19 Flagg Drive, Framingham. For an appointment and details about audition requirements, visit www.claflinhill.com.

MetroWest Daily News, May, 2016