Musical Aspect of Holbrook, Massachusetts
Holbrook has a very small history, which as a result, has a small musical history. Most of Holbrook's musical history is composed of those who were musicians from previous locations who made the journey to move to Holbrook. This accumulation of different artists from different towns, states, and countries results in a variety of musical backgrounds.
One music artist in particular, James Noonan, performs Irish Flute and Penny-whistling. Noonan is an adjunct professor at Boston College but travels around the country performing his music. Noonan grew up in Cleveland, Ohio but has lived in Holbrook for most of his life. Noonan begun practicing Irish Flute based on the musical practices in County Clare, Ireland before beginning his musical career. James describes the Irish immigrants that performed and practiced Irish Flute as "the pillars of their society, playing for weddings, funerals, and political events, their importance was immense." Noonan has traveled to perform his music at locations such as the Kent State Folk Festival, Washington Irish Festival, Cleveland Irish Festival, and many more. Noonan has recorded two albums: The Maple Leaf: Irish Traditional Music from Boston (2003) and The Clare Connection (1993).
(The photo above is credited to Paul F. Wells)
One music artist in particular, James Noonan, performs Irish Flute and Penny-whistling. Noonan is an adjunct professor at Boston College but travels around the country performing his music. Noonan grew up in Cleveland, Ohio but has lived in Holbrook for most of his life. Noonan begun practicing Irish Flute based on the musical practices in County Clare, Ireland before beginning his musical career. James describes the Irish immigrants that performed and practiced Irish Flute as "the pillars of their society, playing for weddings, funerals, and political events, their importance was immense." Noonan has traveled to perform his music at locations such as the Kent State Folk Festival, Washington Irish Festival, Cleveland Irish Festival, and many more. Noonan has recorded two albums: The Maple Leaf: Irish Traditional Music from Boston (2003) and The Clare Connection (1993).
(The photo above is credited to Paul F. Wells)
Holbrook Irish Music
Holbrook's cultural and musical significance today is a lot smaller than before. The Holbrook Cultural Council is in charge of the culture and music of the town. They host events at either the high school or the local park normally during the summer time. Besides from the Holbrook Cultural Council, Holbrook is very silent when it comes to musical and cultural events as a whole.
Recently, in August 2016, The Holbrook Cultural Council put on a show for one of their local musicians from Dublin: Colm O'Brien, who performed Irish folk songs. Below you can watch some of O'Brien's music
Recently, in August 2016, The Holbrook Cultural Council put on a show for one of their local musicians from Dublin: Colm O'Brien, who performed Irish folk songs. Below you can watch some of O'Brien's music
(Credits to dunkiemac1 on Youtube for the video)
Holbrook Schools and Their Impact on Music
Every December, right before Christmas vacation, the Holbrook Public School's Music Department puts on a holiday concert to set the mood for the winter holidays. These concerts consist of a variety of backgrounds ranging from High School Musical to The Lion King. Each year, students and faculty involved in the music department come up with a play that they would like to put on for the students and the town of Holbrook. Shows typically cost $5 and are open to the general public at Holbrook Junior/Senior High School's auditorium. The High school puts on two shows, one during the winter and one towards the spring. Many of these plays consist of live music performed by the Holbrook Junior/Senior High School's band.
The Future of Music in Holbrook
The Holbrook high school has remained the same school since the early 1900s, with very minimal changes to the original building. Due to the school building falling apart, the Holbrook Public Schools committee came together to request funding to construct a new school as the current building does not reach many building standards and is subject to collapse. Thankfully, the funding request was accepted and construction began in early 2016. This is huge for Holbrook, as this will hopefully attract many families to move to Holbrook and raise their children whilst attending the new school building. The school building is planned to be K-12 (Kindergarten through 12th grade).
(photo credited to Holbrook Public Schools and it's associates)
With more funding to spend, this will allow Holbrook to spend more money on programs they once couldn't afford. Holbrook plans to renovate their Music department with proper funding. Currently, the music department is lackluster and the goal after the new school building is complete is to make a competitive music department that will rival nearby high schools. Holbrook is looking towards the future with these upcoming changes, hopefully to give Holbrook students a chance to get involved in the music department at the High School.
(photo credited to Holbrook Public Schools and it's associates)
With more funding to spend, this will allow Holbrook to spend more money on programs they once couldn't afford. Holbrook plans to renovate their Music department with proper funding. Currently, the music department is lackluster and the goal after the new school building is complete is to make a competitive music department that will rival nearby high schools. Holbrook is looking towards the future with these upcoming changes, hopefully to give Holbrook students a chance to get involved in the music department at the High School.