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Dustin Luca
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SALEM, MASS. – A trio of Salem State University music majors joined an elite ensemble this spring after being nominated for and accepted to an intercollegiate band of the College Band Directors National Association.
The three students—Max Beauregard, a baritone saxophone player from Salem; Ava O’Brien, a trombone player from Whitman; and Audrey Yard, a trumpet player from Grafton—were nominated for, auditioned for, and made the Eastern Division of CBDNA’s Intercollegiate Band this past spring. The division is one of six across North America and includes schools from throughout New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Canada.
The three students were nominated by Salem State professor and music program coordinator Mary-Jo Grenfell, who said the opportunity to perform in the band “is an exciting milestone for a growing musician.”
“It’s both a recognition of their hard work and talent and a great opportunity to keep developing as performers,” Grenfell said. “Students rehearse and perform alongside outstanding peers from across the region, which challenges them to play at a high level in a supportive and inspiring environment. Working with a guest conductor and preparing advanced repertoire in a short, focused rehearsal period helps strengthen musicianship, ensemble skills, and confidence.”
All three students spoke highly of the experience while individually describing what it was like to take part in the elite ensemble.
“This was one of, if not the most talented wind band on average that I had ever been a part of. There was no weak link—everyone knew their role, everyone came prepared, and everyone was ready to get work done,” Beauregard said. “After it was all said and done, I could say that all I really gained was a quick weekend detour and a couple of new followers on Instagram… but it has left me with a lingering hunger to find a band like that again.”
“This experience has given me the opportunity to engage in more high-level ensemble playing and further develop my skills in trombone, ensemble performance, and personal musicality,” O’Brien said. “The most exciting part of the trip was making beautiful music alongside such skilled musicians from across the eastern United States, and I am truly grateful to have been a part of it.”
“Rehearsals with Dr. Castro were rewarding in and of themselves, and I felt excited just hearing how we sounded playing together,” Yard said. “I was surrounded by people like me who were also passionate about music and committed to their skills as musicians. I don’t think there was anyone there that didn’t want to be there.”
Costs for the entire trip—hotel, transportation, food, and more—were covered by a recent gift from the Murray Burnstine Charitable Trust. Announced in November, the Trust awarded $150,000 to Salem State’s music program to support student grants and access to essential equipment and transformative educational opportunities.
Murray Burnstine, founder of the trust, was an accomplished saxophonist, clarinetist and flutist who balanced a distinguished career as a mechanical engineer with his lifelong devotion to music. His trust was established to ensure that young musicians would have the opportunity to pursue their passion regardless of financial circumstances.
“Through the generosity of the Murray Burnstine Charitable Trust, we’ve been able to expand access and opportunities for our students in the music program,” said Mandy Ray, vice president of advancement at Salem State and executive director of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. “We’re excited for the journeys taken by Audrey, Ava, and Max this spring and are eager to see what they accomplish next after engaging with such a transformative experience.”