From Northampton Center to Kennedy Center

      Last year the Northampton High School Concert Band was awarded a unique opportunity: to be able to travel to Washington D.C., and perform on the Concert Hall stage of the Kennedy Center. This year, they took the offer. Early in May, they made their way to D.C. and spent three days rehearsing with another band, eating food, and having a spectacular time traipsing around Washington. On the fourth day, they rode to the Kennedy Center and got their chance. Performing for three nationally renowned concert band judges as well as an audience of other bands and choruses, they played an advanced set of repertoire that earned them high marks once again. Although missing the top position, their performance was self-satisfying and well worth it, commented many members. Now back in Northampton, the band has something to remember for the rest of their lives: that they have gotten to play on a stage which only a handful of the world’s greatest musicians have ever been able to set foot on.