Photo from Geoff Brooks: The band plays at their recent spring concert.
By Andreale Mitchell ’23
Derby High School has a wonderful chorus and band program taught by Geoff Brookes. Brookes participated in his high school’s band and jazz program in the music department at Newington High School. In his junior year of high school, he supported and coached his peers with playing the trumpet. This kickstarted his love and interest in teaching music, by his senior year he realized that this was something he would enjoy doing for the rest of his life.
“I first became interested in band in third grade when my teacher specifically chose me to play the clarinet. I’ve always loved to sing and just everything about the choir made me feel at home,” said Camryn Soares ‘23. Brookes enjoys seeing his students play, it brings him a sense of fulfillment to see them grow within the short amount of time given. They learn 3 to 4 songs and have about 3 months to bring it to a concert level. “ He gives us difficult songs to learn and it’s stressful but when it comes together I feel proud and relieved” Ashe Clarke ‘24 stated. Each year, they hold a spring and winter concert for the school and parents. They spend a lot of time preparing and learning for this moment that makes them feel so overjoyed and proud of themselves.
Brookes loves seeing the students succeed and have a moment of excitement after performing. “My favorite part about the choir is singing with everyone , meeting new people and bonding,” said Soares. Just as Brookes explained, he found his ‘clique’ while participating in his high school’s music program.
It isn’t just about music and for the enjoyment of others to hear; many of the members explain playing and singing as being at peace and an escape from what is around them because at that moment the only thing that matters is the flow and correctness of the song.
Derby High School’s music program has created many bonds, new found loves, and a sense of community and achievement within those who participate. Since Brookes started teaching last September, he has seen many of his students grow in confidence and succeed and many other areas than just music. This program helps take students out of their comfort zones and be opened up to many different abilities they can make out of themselves.
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