HARTFORD, Conn. – During the last weekend of March, music students from Fitch participated in the annual CMEA (Connecticut Music Educators Association) All-State Music festival.

Fitch High School students Milo Chiapperini, Lilian Grieco and Bennet White performed in the concert on Saturday, March 28 after rehearsing on the 26 and 27. The musicians had previously auditioned for the Eastern Region Festival, which then qualified them to audition for All States. Being accepted into All States put the students in the top 10% of musicians in the state. The festival was located at the Hartford Convention Center, and showcased a Mixed Choir, Treble Choir, Jazz Band, Concert Band and Orchestra. Along with the other musicians, Fitch students performed in their ensembles for a huge crowd at the center. 

Ms. Shabazian, Fitch’s band director, supported the students through their auditions and working for CMEA.

“The ensembles this year were some of the best performing groups I have seen during my time working with CMEA,” said Shabazian. “The repertoire selected was diverse and engaging, and the performers played extremely musically and passionately throughout the entire concert.”

Lilian Greco performed as a clarinet in the Orchestra, Milo Chiapperini as a clarinet in Concert Band, and Bennet White as a vocalist in Treble Choir. The students who played this year will be able to audition for Eastern Regions again in November for a chance to play in the 2027 concerts.