Listen to the music

Changes abound this year at Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy High School just outside Mill Creek.

The private school has a new library and computer lab, lights were installed for night games on the football field and athletic teams now compete at the Class 2A level.

While these changes may be the most obvious at Archbishop Murphy this fall, Carrie Wright, the music director, also has had an impact.

When Wright arrived at Archbishop Murphy at the start of last school year, there were 11 students enrolled in concert choir. That group consisted of 22 students during last week’s winter program, and Wright envisions the choir expanding to 30 students by the start of next year.

“We’re trying to grow the program,” Wright said.

While the concert choir and band have both increased in size, the music program at Archbishop Murphy also has added two ensembles this year. The show choir and jazz band are new to the scene and are giving students an exposure to different styles of music.

“We have a lot of talented students here and we can really show them off in a small group,” Wright said.

Wright is directing the show choir, and Steven Muller, a parent, is organizing and instructing the jazz band.

Unlike many public schools that offer music classes throughout the school day, ensembles at Archbishop Murphy meet only before and after school.

That poses a challenge to Wright, but she said “They are very dedicated.”

The concert band and concert choir practice alternating mornings before school. They learn a lot of music in a short amount of time, Wright said.

The show choir practices after school, and many of the same students taking concert choir also participate in show choir. So on any given day, music students at Archbishop Murphy could be arriving to school early and leaving school late just so they can further their interest in band and choir. In addition, all members of jazz band also participate in concert band.

The unique schedule can be a challenge when encouraging students to enroll in music classes.

“It’s difficult too because a lot of sports meet after school,” Wright said.

Regardless, Wright hopes the ensembles will continue to grow.

“My goal is to get as many kids interested in music involved,” Wright said.

Jim Britt, the school’s director of development, said he saw the beginning of change last year when the concert choir received choir robes. Since then, the formation of the jazz band and show choir has shaped the music program, and the addition of a pep band featuring students and adults at football games has also added a lot at games.

Support coming from the parents of students has increased and been helpful to Wright this year, she said. A group of parents formed the Performing Arts Council, which meets once a month and acts as a booster club, Wright said.

Last week’s winter concert showcased all music groups and a performance of “A ‘Plane’ and Simple Christmas,” which is a play written and performed by Archbishop Murphy drama students.

Holiday music included classic pieces such as “Let it Snow/Winter Wonderland,” “The Nutcracker Suite” and “Carol of the Bells.” Performers received plenty of applause from the full gymnasium, especially the newly formed show choir, which incorporated choreography, clapping and a little charm and attitude to get the audience involved.

“I was very pleased with the concert,” Wright said. “The kids really exceeded my expectations.”

But Wright does not have time to slow down. The concert choir will perform at Benaroya Hall on Feb. 14 and auditions for the spring musical “Bye Bye Birdie” take place in February.

Wright recognizes there are many ways for the music program to grow at Archbishop Murphy, but she said she is already proud of what the students have accomplished.

“They’ve come a long way.”