Orchestra Pops Concert Honors Top Musicians
Henderson Performance Hall, May 2026 - There was a truly special moment during last night's Farmington High School and Tibbetts Middle School Pops Concert, when the Chamber Orchestra played “Unchained Melody” to celebrate 56 years of marriage for Alan and Janie Flack. It was also a beautiful occasion to honor the connection between our music director and a family whose daughters and granddaughters have learned and played music in our classrooms, including one of our top performers, FHS student Victoria Hank.
The evening was filled with great music and memorable moments, from highlighting the incredible year both orchestras have had this academic year to giving out awards to 11 students. We were part of a heartfelt senior tribute, flowers and gifts for FHS and TMS Orchestra Director Ms. Monica Taulbee-Leaming, and wonderful renditions of “Skyline Rising,” “From the Start,” “In Memory of Goodbye,” “It's All Right,” “Soda Pop,” “Mixolydian Rock,” and “Last Train to Clarksville.”
We want to thank our talented musicians and supportive families. A special shoutout goes to Ms. Taulbee-Leaming for putting together yet another amazing program, and to banjo player Antoine Howe, who reminded us why he took top honors at the Charleston International Music Competition last year.
Congratulations to the following Tibbetts students:
⭐ Aubrey Theodore, Outstanding 6th Grade Musician
⭐ Aurora Manon, Outstanding 7th Grade Musician
⭐ Aaron Tsinigine, Distinguished Service Award
⭐ Jeremiah Charley, Outstanding 8th Grade Musician
⭐ Brexton Fine, Integrity and Spirit Award
Congratulations to the following FHS students:
⭐ Cecelia Clark, National School Orchestra Award
⭐ Victoria Hank, Integrity and Spirit Award
⭐ Allison Hill, Distinguished Service Award
⭐ Dakota Ryals, Outstanding Freshman Musician Award
⭐ Owen Farley, Outstanding Sophomore Musician Award
⭐ Kalina Largo, Outstanding Junior Musician Award
This article takes you inside our classrooms to show you what learning art and music is like at FMS.
Art, music, and performing give students something few other subjects can: a chance to express who they are. Through painting, playing an instrument, singing, or stepping on stage, students learn to communicate feelings and ideas that words alone cannot capture. These experiences build confidence and teach discipline, all while nurturing creativity that carries into every other part of a student's life. Just as importantly, art and music teach our students that these subjects are about sharing and the value of creating.
For more stories like this one, make sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our monthly newsletter, FMS Connections.