This is Maeve Donohue’s senior year at Hull High School, and what a year she has had, musically speaking.
She first earned 5th Chair in the First Trumpet section in the Concert Band at the Southeastern District Senior Virtual Music Festival at the beginning of January. Then she earned 2nd Chair, in the First Trumpet section in the Concert Band for the Massachusetts All State Virtual Music Festival, to be held at the beginning of March. And to complete the trifecta for Maeve, she earned 1st Chair in the First Trumpet section of the SEMSBA Senior Concert Band. That virtual music festival will be held in the middle of March.
I remember hearing Maeve play at one of her first Memorial Middle School concerts and afterward talking with Mr. Andrew St. George and Maeve’s parents, John and Christine; all three of them were saying how quickly she took to the trumpet and how good she is for a beginner. Just wait until she gets to the high school, they said.
Well, for the past three years Maeve has lived up to those words. Her musical talents are only enhanced by her great personality and amazing perseverance. She has been a motivator for the members of the Hull High School band as well as all others in the high school.
Yes, it is disappointing that we cannot hear Maeve creating beautiful sounds on her trumpet this year, but, knowing Maeve even COVID cannot silence her horn for too long. As for now, all of us can cheer her on, virtually, as she finishes the school year. Congratulations, Maeve, and I wish you all the success in your future.
Ian Barkon is a music teacher at Hull High School and director of its band.