Rhythm Pops!
Join The Bombyx Brass Collective as they create gigantic sound playing tunes by the Beatles, Santana, Norah Jones, John Williams, and lots more. BBB members Lucy Colwell and Richard Cuoco will join Music Director Margaret on the podium as guest conductors for this program.
About the Collective
The Bombyx Brass Collective is a resident ensemble of the Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity, inspired by the passion and dedication of area amateur and professional musicians, and devoted to presenting quality music to diverse audiences. The 30-piece ensemble, still in its infancy, was founded in January 2022 and features diverse combinations of players and instruments within its performances, playing a mix of musical genres from classical to jazz to pop. BBC members include active and retired music teachers, working professional musicians, and talented amateur musicians. In addition to their work with the BBC, members perform frequently throughout the Pioneer Valley in a wide variety of professional and amateur ensembles.
Music Director, Margaret Reidy
Margaret Reidy is recently retired as the Director of Bands and Orchestra at Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, MA where, for 30 years, she directed a program of more than 200 students involved in every facet of instrumental music from traditional wind bands, string ensembles, jazz, and marching band. Her ensembles received many accolades over the years, including winning the “Dixie Classic Invitational” in Virginia, gold medals at the Great East Music Festival, and First Place in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Throughout her tenure as a public-school music teacher, Margaret served the Massachusetts Music Educators Association in various capacities, including as a District and State Ensemble Manager, Board of Directors Member, and Band Council Chair. She has been a guest conductor for various ensembles, working with a wide range of groups of many different ages. In the area of curriculum, Ms. Reidy wrote the musical component for the published lesson plans attached to the widely acclaimed PBS film project, “Martin Scorcese presents: The Blues”.
Recognized by colleagues and institutions alike, Margaret was named “Teacher of the Year” at her high school and received the Lowell Mason Award at the Massachusetts All-State Conference. She was a Grinspoon Award winner receiving the Pioneer Valley Distinguished Teacher Award for her positive impact on children in her community, and was thrilled to be honored by the Boston Red Sox and the Massachusetts Teachers Association at Fenway Park as a “MVT: Most Valuable Teacher." In 2019 Margaret received the state’s highest honor at the annual MMEA conference when presented with the Distinguished Service Award, annually given to one recipient (teaching grade K-college) for their service to and impact on music education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Since retiring from full time teaching Margaret continues to engage in guest conducting stints, has improved her golf game, and is enjoying DIY home improvement projects. She lives with her wife Cynthia in Palmer, MA where they have resided for the past 35 years.
