On The Mark: Enjoying a musical challenge

On Monday evening last week, the Cromwell-Wright School gym hosted choral and instrumental performances of young people of all ages.

The bleachers on the gym's south side were crammed with parents, grandparents, siblings and community members. Choir teacher MaryRose Varo led half a dozen ensembles, including the full middle school and high school choirs, through heartening songs of Christmas.

Andrew Morrisette, the band director, led various instrumentalists through rousing, energetic pieces that showcased students playing flutes, trombones, trumpets, and timpani. It was marvelous and a good t...