There has been a cascade of accolades for Brunswick High School’s choir and band programs over the past few years.

In January, choir teacher Ashley Albert was named one of the “50 Music Teachers who Make a Difference” in SBO+ Magazine. This spring, Brunswick sent six singers to the American Choral Directors Association National Conference in Houston, Texas. In April 2024, both the band and choir programs received the Festival Sweepstakes Award at the WorldStrides Heritage Festival in New York City, competing against much larger schools from California, New York and Canada. They are set to attend the festival again in the spring of 2026. 

Leading these strides are Albert and Brandon Duras, the band and choir directors at the high school.

“We’re really about sending people into the world who, whether they are doctors or lawyers or any profession, can appreciate and promote music in their communities,” Duras said.

“I felt like I found who I was as a person through being in chorus in high school,” Albert said. “It was because of my high school choral director that I am where I am today. At the heart of it, really, my goal is that when somebody walks across the stage at graduation from Brunswick High School, they look back on their experience in the music department and in the choirs as something that was really positive and fulfilling and enriching, and that they have pieces of that which they can bring into their next journey.”

According to the students of BHS, the teachers have been successful with these goals.

“Seeing how much love and dedication Mrs. Albert and Mr. Duras put into BHS music is really inspiring and makes me want to be a part of it,” said choir and band member Avery Peterson, class of 2027.

Incoming senior Lillie Driscoll said music can be an outlet for students.

“We have been taught to put all our emotion into what we play and sing and to pass it onto the audience,” she said. “Music creates a safe space in a lot of people’s hearts, and Mrs. Albert and Mr. Duras have created that space for me.”

These values spread outside the walls of the high school.

“When you go outside Brunswick High School into the greater Brunswick community, you see people there that care deeply about the music program — even if they have never been a part of it or don’t really know anyone personally who’s been a part of it,” Albert said.

That, Albert said, is the biggest change she has experienced over 15 years of teaching BHS choirs.

“Passion and inspiration are words that come to mind,” said Lisa DeCesare, a Brunswick resident and regular concert-goer, when asked about her experiences with BHS music. “The talent and creativity come alive in their performances.”

Turning to the future, the most important thing seems to be continuing to share music for the betterment of students and community members alike.

“Truly my biggest goal,” Albert said, “is that we continue the legacy that we’ve started … to have students want to be a part of this program and take pride in what they do while they’re there. And along the way, I hope we reach new heights and do new things.”

Although school is now out for the summer, much is on the horizon for the next school year, from another WorldStrides Heritage Festival to ACDA and district events. 

This article stems from a partnership between The Times Record and Brunswick High School students interested in pursuing journalism. The students are writing about issues related to their school and community.