Enfield High Newsletters - Eagle Edition EHS Newsletter- December 2019 | Page 7

EAGLE News: Students
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
2019 National Association of Music Education’s All National Honors Ensembles
During the 2018-2019 school year, along with other accomplished music students from across the state of
Connecticut, Benjamin Carriere, from Enfield High School practiced with dedication to gain acceptance into
his regional and all-state music honor ensembles, sponsored by the Connecticut Music Educators Association.
Benjamin Carriere joined the “best of the best” for the National Association of Music Education’s (NAfME)
2019 All-National Honors Ensembles November 7-10, 2019, at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention
Center Ballroom in Orlando, Florida. The NAfME All-National Honor Ensembles (ANHE) represent the
top performing high school musicians in the United States. Students were chosen through an
audition process and were eligible to apply due to their success in their state music festivals and
displayed musical excellence. The ANHE program is a comprehensive and educational experience.
The 2019 ensembles met under the leadership of top conductors in the field of music education.
Ben is the first student in Enfield to reach this level of musical excellence in this prestigious ensemble. With
the support of Mr. Chris Drezek, Superintendent of Enfield Public Schools and the Central Office Administration,
Ben rehearsed and performed in the 121-member Symphony Orchestra in the percussion section under the
baton of world-renowned conductor, Soo Han. Soo Han is the Director of Orchestral Activities at The Baldwin
Wallace Conservatory of Music.
Ben is a Grade 11 student of Enfield High School and a member of the Enfield High School Instrumental Music
Department. He is a participating member of the EHS Marching Band, Concert Band and Jazz Ensembles
under the previous instruction of Mark Reppucci (band director) and current instruction of Chris Dresko (newly
hired band director) and Aaron Ovsiew (assistant band director). Ben is also a member of the JFK Select Band
under the direction of Mr. John Power (middle school band director). Ben currently studies privately with the
Chris Latournes Drum Studio located in Windsor Locks.
Ben’s family is extremely proud of this musical achievement and attended the musical adventure as guests. He
would like to thank his drum instructor, Chris Latournes and John Power from Enfield Public Schools for offering
their encouragement to perform at the highest level and for giving him a chance to participate in a percussion
ensemble and jazz band. Ben is very appreciative of the opportunities the Enfield Public Schools have afforded
him to get to regionals in middle school and regionals and all-state in high school. He is very excited to have
represented Enfield and Connecticut in Orlando.
Congratulation Ben! Thank you for representing the Enfield Community, School District, and Music Program
with your incredible musical talents.