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Former KP High School Music Director Peter Tileston estimates he has taught between 300 and 400 students during his 27 years at the school. In August, he hopes to see a good number of those students at the first ever KP Music reunion.
The reunion idea had been germinating for a while. A group of former KP music students had been getting together yearly on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving with Mr. Tileston and KP clarinet instructor Paul Alberta. Reminiscing about their shared experiences in the program, the group thought it would be fun to have an even bigger reunion, and invite every person who has passed through the KP music program.
Lauren Berry, KP Class of 2008, decided to reach out to former students on social media to gauge interest. “It snowballed,” said Berry. She got an enthusiastic response from everyone she contacted, with most saying, “This would be fantastic.” The reunion is now a reality and is set for August 5-7.
Plans are underway for social and musical activities, all optional. Spouses are welcome, too. Of course, it wouldn’t be a KP Music reunion if a concert wasn’t part of the weekend.
Yes, attendees are encouraged to find those instruments in their attics and basements and get ready to play, although Tileston said he will provide instruments for alumni if necessary.
“It’s not a high-pressure situation,” laughed Berry. “This is not MICAA.” (MICCA is the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductors Association, in which KP Music participates each year, frequently earning the highest award, a gold medal.)
Tileston is pleased at the response from his former students. At least one person from each of his graduating classes (1984 to 2015) will be coming back. Obviously, some of them have not picked up an instrument in many years.
“We don’t know where the alumni will be, musically. So I have to pick music they will be somewhat successful at,” said Tileston. Some alumni are playing professionally, but he knows the occasional or even lapsed musician will probably outnumber the pros.
And that’s OK, said Tileston. “I don’t expect incredible music, but it’s not really about that.”
Tileston can remember most of the students he has taught. He puts names and faces together easily when he looks at past yearbooks. So far, nearly 100 former students have committed to the reunion, some coming from as far away as Seattle, Washington and Redlands, California. Tileston is looking forward to seeing them all and reconnecting.
“You know, you get older. And when you get older you start to get a little more nostalgic about things,” reflected Tileston. “I’d love everyone to come and I’d love to see how their lives turned out. I’m disappointed that some people have said they can’t come, and I was looking forward to seeing them.”
Most of those former students were involved in the district’s music program for at least 8 years, forging bonds and creating memories they will never forget. According to Berry, the KP music program was life changing for her. “It defined my high school experience, being part of an experience bigger than myself.” Recognizing the insecurity of most high school freshmen, Berry said joining the music program gave her instant friends and a structure in which to succeed at academics. Kids need direction, and Mr. Tileston and the other instructors helped with time management and discipline.
“We got better grades because of band,” said Berry.
Berry emphasized the music program at KP is respected among the different school groups. “I never felt we were hated on by other cliques in school,” added Berry. “We were too big for that to happen at KP. KP does it very well.”
Tileston acknowledged he had a reputation as a demanding instructor, but returning students don’t have to be nervous about the alumni concert, he said, amused.
“I was tough.” He paused. “This is going to sound corny, but this [reunion] is all about love. The love of the musicmaking, the love of the shared experience. We had these extraordinary moments during our time together where the music was sacred to us as we were trying to produce it. We shared those moments. That’s what we built our relationship on.”
Tileston, who retired as director of the KP music program in 2010, remains involved at the school. He teaches chamber music to small groups, and has built up and transformed that program in the 6 years since he took it over. Tileston admits he is still invested in the success of the students at the school, and the music program he helped build.
“KP Music means everything to me. Next to my son, it was the love of my life.”
About the Reunion
All former KP Music students are invited, including the Class of 2016: Concert, Symphony, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Percussion, as well as Color Guard and Chorus. The reunion committee does not have contact information for all former students, and hopes alumni will reach out and invite their classmates. For more information, details about the weekend’s activities, or to sign up, join the King Philip Music Program Alumni page on Facebook. Contact Lauren Berry at [email protected] with any questions, or for hotel information.