A record nine Groton student-musicians earn spots in the 2025 MMEA All-State Festival

Groton student-musicians earned a record nine spots in the 2025 Massachusetts Music Educators Association All-State Festival, more than double the school’s previous high.

After two grueling yet inspiring six-hour rehearsals and morning dress rehearsals at the Central Districts Music Festival in Worcester on January 18, the Senior District Concert Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Chorus gave an uplifting, polished performance at beautiful Mechanics Hall. Although Groton is a small school, Groton musicians were a strong presence.

Sara Agrawal ’25 (double bass in Concert Band), Amanda Chang ’26 (piccolo in Concert Band), Olivia Ding ’26 (viola in Orchestra), Nicholas Kan ’28 (violin in Orchestra), Sophie Kopp-Hills ’28 (violin in Orchestra), Mia Li ’28 (violin in Orchestra), Cora Loomis ’28 (violin in Orchestra), Ethan Yan ’27 (double bass in Orchestra), and David Yu ’28 (oboe in Concert Band) all won spots at the All-State Festival Concert, where they’ll join other talented musicians from across the state for a performance at Symphony Hall in Boston at 12:45 p.m. on March 29.

Groton’s previous high for All-State Festival selections was set last year with four.

The Central Districts Concert gave Groton student-musicians a chance to shine under a regional spotlight. The opening Concert Band piece, “Melodious Thunk” by David Biedenbender, featured clarinet solos from Alexander Newman ’25. 

For the Orchestra, violist Olivia Ding and bassist Ethan Yan led their sections as principal players, and Amanda Chang soared above the ensemble as the piccolo player. Violinists Mia Li, Sophie Kopp-Hills, Arwen Zhang ’28, Nicholas Kan, and Cora Loomis contributed their sounds to the exceptional first and second violin sections. William Laws ’25 added strong effects as one of three percussionists in the orchestra. In addition, principal oboe David Yu offered truly glorious solos in Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite. 

Sara Agrawal anchored the rhythm section of the Jazz Band with her groovin’ bass playing. Finally, Brenda Li ’25 and Sade Pickering ’26 joined the 180-voice chorus in a powerful finale for a wonderful afternoon of music.