Schools

Chatham High Flautist Performs With National Concert Band

Melissa Danitz says band stayed energized through 11-hour rehearsals.

Chatham High School flautist Melissa Danitz joined more than 160 the most talented young musicians in the country for a National High School Concert Band performance in Tennessee in October.

The band performed at the National Association for Music Education convention in Nashville. Danitz was among the 162 high school musicians in the band conducted by Peter Boonshaft, a professor and director of bands at Hofstra University.

"It was an honor to rehearse and perform under the baton of conductor Dr. Boonshaft, who has a strong passion for music," Danitz said. "Rehearsals lasted eleven hours, but Dr. Boonshaft kept the energy going," and the ensemble gave an outstanding concert, she said.

Danitz said she's grateful she was selected for the honor and hopes she gets to meet some of the musicians she performed with in the future.

After performing with the National High School Concert Band, Danitz traveled to Atlantic City in November to perform with the New Jersey All-State Orchestra.


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