Local high school musicians are bringing history to life through music.
Students from Lexington and Concord-Carlisle high schools will take the stage March 4 for “Sound Revolutions,” featuring the world premiere of a commissioned piece by the renowned composer Dwayne Milburn.
The concert, which starts at 7 p.m. in the Concord-Carlisle High School auditorium, is part of Lex250, a series of community events marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, which began April 19, 1775, with battles in Lexington and Concord.
Justin Aramati, one of the music teachers organizing the concert, said the collaboration aims to bridge the two towns, both of which played significant roles in American history.
“This concert allows us to not only celebrate our shared heritage but also to foster a sense of community through music,” he said.
The original concept for the concert was conceived by the previous department head, Jared Cassedy. The Lexington High bands commissioned Milburn to compose a piece for the occasion, and Concord-Carlisle also commissioned a new work.
“The idea was to premiere both pieces at the concert, showcasing the talents of our students and the creativity of contemporary composers,” Aramati said.
He emphasized the invaluable opportunity for students to learn directly from a living composer.
“Often, students perform music from composers who are no longer with us,” he said. “Having Dr. Milburn here to discuss his piece and work with the students will enhance their understanding and appreciation of the music.”
Lorelai Kurspahic, a sophomore at Lexington High who plays in the bands, expressed their enthusiasm for the event.
“I think the fact that we got a composer to make a piece just for this event is really neat,” they said.
Kurspahic noted that while the concert required significant effort from many people, the collaborative aspect was the highlight.
“Collaboration is always my favorite part of any performance,” they said.
Nick Hart, assistant performing arts coordinator at Lexington Public Schools, also highlighted the unique experience for students.
“They’re not just playing a world-premiere piece, but they also get to work directly with the composer,” he said. “Dr. Milburn will not only conduct the concert but also rehearse with them, sharing inspiration.”
Aramati said the concert’s significance goes beyond music, serving as a reminder of the historical events from both towns that helped shape the United States. He hopes that students will develop a deeper understanding of the town’s history and its relevance in today’s context.
“I want our students to realize how special this 250th anniversary is. It’s a big deal, and we’re lucky to be a part of it,” he said.
Milburn’s commissioned piece is designed to reflect on the themes of American history, allowing listeners to consider what it means to be an American in contemporary society. The composition incorporates songs that were significant during the American Revolution, reimagining them for a modern audience.
“We wanted a piece that acknowledges our past while prompting us to think about our identity as Americans today,” Aramati explained.
Titled “Lexington Triptych,” the piece incorporates several songs, hymns and odes commonly heard in 1775. The first and third movements are energetic and jaunty, while the second movement is slower and more lyrical. Though rooted in traditional material, Milburn reinterprets it through a modern lens, weaving in shifts between major and minor, motif development and a rich harmonic language.
“It’s both engaging to perform and fascinating to study,” Aramati said.
Aramati also emphasized the importance of unity, stating his hopes “to create a sense of collaboration between the two schools.”
With a combined total of around 230 students performing — 162 from Lexington and 60 to 70 from Concord-Carlisle — the concert is set to be a display of community spirit. The evening will not only feature the world premiere of the commissioned pieces but also a dinner for the two schools, fostering connections through music.
Many Lexington organizations came together to support the project, including the Lexington Education Foundation, which provided generous funding to commission this work, LHS PTO and FOLMADS (Friends of Lexington Music, Art and Drama Students), which provided grants to fund Dr. Milburn’s Artist-in-Residents and bring him to Lexington, and Toby Forman, an LHS Band teacher who helped secure Dr. Milburn for the commission and organize the concert.
“We are so grateful for the continued support from these organizations of the LPS Performing Arts Department and the work that we do! Without them, this whole experience for our students would not be possible,” said LPS Performing Arts Coordinator Angela Carpenter.
The concert aims to highlight the importance of community and the legacy of the past, reflecting on the sacrifices made for liberty.
“This was an important, defining moment in the history of our country,” Aramati said. “We shouldn’t take this history for granted.”
This story is part of a partnership between the Lexington Observer and the Boston University Department of Journalism.