Junior Mints at Tanglewood

Sometimes, a picture says it all. On July 9th, the Norway Pond Junior Minstrels “hit one out of the park” at a performance of Carmina Burana with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood. 

It was all-business after the children were hired in January by the BSO to sing the children’s portions of this iconic and popular work. They were expected to be fully professional, presenting as a cohesive, seamless performing ensemble. Of course, Jody wanted to make sure that their performance was not just good but waybeyond what was expected–both passionate and cool-headed, simultaneously. 

The troupe (thirty-two singers between age 7 and 18, four chaperones, a pianist, and conductor Jody) spent three nights in Lenox, rehearsing twice with the BSO and once on their own. They also tackled a challenging ropes course at Jiminy Peak and put on one of the most memorable talent shows in the history of talent shows. 

After they arrived at Tanglewood on Thursday, they walked bravely onto the stage for the first rehearsal with 135 adult singers, a full-blown symphony orchestra, three internationally famous professional soloists and a conductor they had never met. The BSO conductor, players, singers and administrators were thrilled with what they brought to the performance (and also loved their nickname, Junior Mints). And I must say, they looked spectacular in their new white tunics with red embroidery made by hand in the Ukraine and funded by several generous donors!

As the new president of the Music on Norway Pond Board, I wanted to share the good news of this experience with all of you. Music on Norway Pond is challenging and enhancing the lives of our youth, our audience, and our entire Monadnock region. Stay tuned for the announcement of our upcoming season this September….a series of concerts infused with our inimitable “inspired artistry and incomparable spirit”.

 Nina Pollock

President of the Board