Jasper Khambaylarsirikul, is a member of the NBHS Madrigal Singers, the Golden Hurricanes Marching Band and Tri-M Music Honor Society, as well as the student leader of the NBHS Men’s Choir. He plays flute, piccolo and oboe, and is learning clarinet. And he was selected to represent the school at the Northern Regional High School Chorus in January.
“I was startled at first, then I was filled with joy,” said the New Britain High School senior. Khambaylarsirikul scored 186 — only 12 points from a perfect score.
The Northern Regional High School Chorus is sponsored by the Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA), which divides the state into four geographic regions. They have held their statewide festival at New Britain High School for the past 20 years and this year’s event took place on January 13 and 14, with the concert at 3 PM on the 14th.
Because he was selected for the Northern Regional High School Chorus, Khambaylarsirikul will also be eligible to audition for the All-State Music Festival, held March 30-April 1. This event comprises the All-State Choir, Band, Orchestra and Jazz Band.
In the Northern competition, Khambaylarsirikul was in the running against students from 50 cities and towns. This included five other New Britain students: Jasmine Colapietro, Emily Carman, Celeste Gigliotti and Erasmus Gunawan, who auditioned vocally; and Manny Benitez, who auditioned on alto saxophone.
“The music program at NBHS is phenomenal and very versatile,” said Khambaylarsirikul. “The whole music department works together for events … the department also schedules their rehearsals so that they do not conflict with each other. I believe that this has been a crucial factor in my musical exploration.”
“The students prepare a designated selection from the standard repertoire and perform it for two adjudicators,” said NBHS assistant choral director Jason Ferrandino, “in addition to singing several scales and doing a sight-reading example.”
Joseph Pinchera, Principal of New Britain High School, said that he “couldn’t be happier for Jasper. His dedication and hard work has paid off. We wish him luck at the regional music festival.”
“I have absolutely no doubt that he will continue to represent the NBHS Music Department in an extraordinary manner,” NBHS Music Director Brian Germain said.
In addition to his musical involvements, Khambaylarsirikul is also part of the National Honor Society, the Math Honor Society at NBHS and is one of three captains on the NBHS men’s varsity tennis team. After graduation, he plans to attend The Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, majoring in Performing Arts Management. The program incorporates law and management along with the arts.
