2025 MMEA Hill Day at the State House

Why Music Education?

Music education is an important component of comprehensive learning and strengthens a student’s development by:

Building confidence and self-esteem through creative expression

Providing a platform to foster creativity through exploration

Enhancing social skills through teamwork and collaboration

Cultivating cultural awareness of global musical traditions and histories

Inspiring a lasting appreciation for the arts

Music education is a vital component of holistic learning and fosters growth in academics, personal development, and cultural understanding.

Acknowledgements

The Hill Day Committee would like to thank the following people for making this day a success:

• Senator Becca Rausch for sponsoring and supporting this event!

• The student performers and directors

• Administrators from participating schools

• Maggie Leighton, senior from Leominster High School

• Alex Wagner, Legislative Aide, Office of Senator Becca Rausch

• Jason Keohane, State House Events Manager

• Tony Beatrice, President and Jared Cassedy, President-Elect of MMEA

On Monday, May 19th, 2025, over 300 student musicians from nine schools performed at MMEA's Hill Day at the Massachusetts State House. The day brought together schools from across the Commonwealth to advocate for music education through outstanding performances.

A huge thank you to our Advocacy Chair, Allyson Rottman, and the Hill Day committee for making this event a great success!

Congratulations to the following groups on their performance!

• Vocal Alliance - Alexander Grover, Director

  Danvers Public Schools

• Maria Weston Chapman Singers - Colleen McDonough, Director

  Weymouth Public Schools

• Center School 4th Graders - Christopher B. McGillicuddy, Director

  Chelmsford Public Schools

• Arlington High School Chorale - Mara Walker, Director

  Arlington Public Schools

• Arlington High School Sinfonietta - Sabatino D’Agostino, Director

  Arlington Public Schools

• Galvin Middle School Chamber Orchestra - Elizabeth Pabon, Director

  Canton Public Schools

• Day School Chorus - Valerie Thomforde, Director

  Westford Public Schools

• Salem High School

  Indoor Percussion Ensemble - Jabari Tovar, Director

  Salem Public Schools

• Burgess Elementary School Band - Lucy Colwell, Director

  Tantasqua Regional School District