CALENDAR
About Our Program
Concord-Carlisle High School: A Tradition of Musical Excellence
Concord-Carlisle High School's Band and Orchestra program boasts a multi-decade tradition of excellence, consistently achieving superior ratings at state festivals. This enduring passion for artistic achievement is fueled by a dedicated faculty, unwavering support from our community and the exceptional talent of our students.
Excellence and Innovation
Our commitment to excellence is evident in our impressive performance record, including participation in prestigious events like the MMEA All-State Conference, the NAfME All-Eastern Conference, and the Music for All National Concert Band Festival. Beyond the stage, we’ve cultivated a rich tradition of international cultural exchange through performance tours to Japan, expanding our students’ artistic horizons. Closer to home, our ensembles have graced renowned venues like Worcester’s Mechanics Hall, the Groton Hill Music Center and Boston’s Symphony Hall, sharing their artistry with our wider local community.We are dedicated to fostering innovation, commissioning new works through consortiums and directly with composers to ensure students have access to a constantly evolving and diverse repertoire. This dedication to artistic exploration extends beyond our ensembles, with students participating in leading roles in regional youth ensembles, leading their own bands, and even composing their own music.
A World of Musical Discovery
Our program caters to a diverse range of musical interests and skill levels. Students embark on their musical journey, honing their skills in our vibrant 9th Grade Band or String Orchestra, before progressing to renowned ensembles like the Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra. We offer a multitude of opportunities for exploration: develop improvisation skills in our Jazz Ensembles, ignite school spirit with the CCHS Pep Band, or delve into the theatrical with the award-winning Pit Orchestra. We also facilitate countless chamber music groups, fostering collaboration and artistic exploration.
A Thriving Community of Music Makers
At Concord-Carlisle, music education goes beyond notes and scales. We cultivate a warm and inclusive community, fostering a true sense of belonging for every student. Students develop leadership skills through the Tri-M National Honor Society and various leadership roles within our ensembles and leadership council. This collaborative spirit is the heart and soul of everything we do, permeating our rehearsals, performances, and even social events; a source of lasting joy, providing a welcome escape and a chance to connect with their peers through music.
A Crescendo of Opportunity
Contributing to the energy of an ensemble in perfect harmony, experiencing the thrill of performing on a world stage, or feeling the quiet joy of creating their own music, our students truly know the transformative power of music education. At Concord-Carlisle, music education is not just about learning notes; it's about igniting a passion that will resonate throughout your life. Whether it's leading the cheers with the Pep Band, bringing a theatrical production to life with the Pit Orchestra, or honing their craft in chamber music ensembles, our program empowers students to push boundaries, embrace creativity, and find their unique voice within the world of music.
Christopher Noce is the Director of Bands & Orchestras at Concord-Carlisle High School (Concord, MA), where he conducts the school's award-winning bands and orchestras, facilitates numerous chamber ensembles, and leads "Football's Greatest Party Band," the CCHS Pep Band. Christopher maintains an active musical life on and off the podium as a clinician, conductor, performer and teacher. He has been recognized as one of Yamaha Music's "40 Under 40" Music Educators.Throughout his career, Christopher's ensembles have earned accolades from the National Association for Music Education, Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors’ Association, Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education and the Massachusetts Music Educators Association, and his groups have performed on some of the region’s most iconic stages. A passionate advocate for new music, Christopher has commissioned new works from emerging and established composers and constantly seeks to program challenging repertoire by composers from a wide range of backgrounds.Christopher holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Berklee College of Music and a Master of Music in Music Education from Boston University. He is an active member of the National Association for Music Educators and the Massachusetts Music Educators Association, where he has served in several leadership-level positions, including Eastern District Chairperson, All-State Concert Coordinator and Council Chairperson/Strand Leader.Christopher lives in Worcester, Massachusetts, with his wife Emma, daughter Margot and son Reuben, where they enjoy all that the burgeoning Central Massachusetts Metropolis has to offer a young family.
