Author: Vanessa Lee

  • Facing tariffs, a Lexington wine seller tries to stay afloat

    Uncertainty is setting in for a Lexington wine seller as the Trump administration’s tariffs ripple through the global supply chain.

    In April, the administration announced a 10% tariff on all imported goods and a 20% tariff on products from the European Union (EU)—including staples like Italian olive oil, Spanish ham and French wine.

    The policy aims to pressure the EU to reduce its trade surplus with the United States and increase imports of American goods. The move has created deep uncertainty for small businesses that rely on international imports.

    Higher costs and supply chain instability make it difficult to plan ahead or keep prices stable for small retailers like Berman’s Wine & Spirits in Lexington.

    “Small business is hard enough—this doesn’t make it any easier,” said Alex Bluhm, Berman’s owner.

    Bluhm described the current climate as one of anxiety, where pricing, product selection and event planning are all on hold while businesses wait to see how trade policy plays out.

    “There’s no clarity with what will happen,” he said. 

    Berman’s has put things on hold—new products, events, anything extra—as it waits to see what impact there will be on the cost of goods.

    Though prices haven’t shifted dramatically yet, Bluhm said, operations are already strained. Spring wine shipments have been delayed, especially for seasonal products like rosés, and boutique importers are getting nervous.

    “If the tariff is large enough to stop consumption, then you’re out of business,” he said. “The 200% tariff threat put our industry, and others, into a state of shock and fear. It would be catastrophic, not just for sellers, but for wine-drinking culture in the U.S.”

    In March, the administration proposed a 200% tariff on all wines, champagnes and other alcoholic products from the European Union in response to EU plans to impose high tariffs on American whiskey. Though the United States later scaled back the threat, the mere proposal sparked panic among importers and producers who feared it could devastate the transatlantic wine trade.

    Berman’s, like many other small shops, relies on strong relationships with boutique producers. Tariffs are shaking those ties. Small, family-run vineyards abroad now worry the U.S. market may no longer be reliable.

    “There is synergy and trust needed between wine growers and importers,” Bluhm said. 

    If partners back out, small producers who’ve spent all year growing grapes can lose everything. 

    “That is a frightening proposition,” he said.

    Inside Berman’s Wine & Spirits

    Currently, shops are drawing from existing stock that arrived before the tariffs. But once that runs out, importers may hesitate to restock without clearer pricing.

    This could leave shelves empty.

    For now, Berman’s has kept prices steady. However, Bluhm acknowledged that might not last if wholesale costs rise.

    Despite the stress, he emphasized the resilience of his team and the loyalty of its customers. When the tariffs were first announced, he received “overwhelming support and love.”

    “I’m still scared, but I do feel better knowing that I have a team I can laugh with,” said Bluhm.

    Lexington residents are noticing the strain too.

    Wine enthusiast and Lexington resident Sam Perkins said she worries about losing access to the bottles she’s come to enjoy.

    “I love trying wines from different countries. It’s part of what makes wine fun,” she said. “It’d be really sad if that goes away because of tariffs.”

    Perkins said if all that variety disappears from local retailers like Berman’s, it will “just become another grocery store aisle—and that would be a real loss.”

    Bluhm said tariffs erode the kind of cultural exchange that food and drink foster, isolating American consumers instead of strengthening domestic industries. He believes tariffs don’t provide value, but “cut us off from the world.”

    “I understand the need for fair trade,” said Rebecca Lin, a longtime resident. “But tariffs end up hurting regular businesses and customers the most.”

    Bluhm has been vocal about the issue. In a recent letter to the editor in the Lexington Observer, he described ripple effects across the wine industry—from vineyards in Europe to local delivery drivers in Massachusetts.

    He warned that consumers may soon face higher prices, fewer wine options and reduced service as businesses try to absorb costs. Still, he expressed hope, crediting his partners and customers for standing by the store.

    Bluhm encourages others to support local shops and contact representatives about the issue.

    “I personally feel strongly about the cultural exchange that takes place with wine, beer, spirits, and food,” he said. “I would hate to see that come to an end.”

    This story is part of a partnership between the Lexington Observer and the Boston University Department of Journalism.

  • Lexington High School Chamber Orchestra wins National Championship 

    The results of the 2025 National Orchestra Cup were being announced. The runner-up was Honolulu’s Iolani School, whose performance was so polished it had left the members of the Lexington High School Chamber Orchestra deeply impressed and inspired.

    “Wait…then who got first?” recounted Rachel Jayson, who directs the Lexington Chamber Orchestra.

    Moments later, the answer came: Lexington High School.

    The students erupted—screaming, hugging, overwhelmed by the realization that they were national champions. It was the group’s first-ever appearance at the Orchestra Cup, held March 1 at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall in New York City—and they had just won it. 

    “It was this explosion of joy,” Jayson recalled, laughing. “They knew they’d done something special. And to be recognized like that? It was incredible.”

    Out of seven elite ensembles from across the country, Lexington’s 29-member orchestra stood out—winning not only the top prize, but also awards for best section (violas) and most original selection for “Kendrick,” a world premiere by composer Sxip Shirey.

    “I think all of us were just stunned,” said Jayson, who has taught music at Lexington High School for 16 years. “We knew we had taken some artistic risks, and all of the pieces were really, really ambitious.”

    This was Lexington’s first appearance at the Orchestra Cup, an invite-only event known for its high standards and artistic freedom. Jayson was approached at the 2024 National Orchestra Festival with an invitation to participate.

    Unlike other competitions with strict rules on repertoire, this one simply gave ensembles 25 minutes to perform whatever they wanted. That flexibility afforded Jayson the opportunity to build a creative and emotionally rich program of four very different pieces—a program that pushed boundaries and embraced originality. 

    One of those pieces was “Lexington Reel,” a bluegrass-inspired tune written by Lexington High alum Andy Reiner to celebrate the town’s 250th anniversary. The orchestra performed it without a conductor—a bold move that required deep trust and communication. 

    “That opening moment really set the tone,” Jayson said. “It was their show from the first note—I just walked offstage and let them take it.”

    Another standout was “Habari Gani” by Quenton Blache, which the students performed entirely from memory—a rare feat for any orchestra, let alone a high school one. 

    Jayson said being off-book gave students a new kind of freedom, with the chance to look up, connect and respond to one another while playing. It was something that set this group’s program apart, and Jayson said it completely transformed the way they played.

    “I loved the feeling of playing ‘Habari Gani’ during the competition,” said Deanna Ma, a violinist. “It was unlike anything I’ve experienced anywhere else.”

    Then there was “Kendrick,” the world premiere that brought home the originality award. 

    Composed by Sxip Shirey, the piece was originally inspired by rapper Kendrick Lamar. Shirey first drafted the work five years ago after hearing Lamar’s music. Years later, Jayson commissioned Shirey to write new works for the Lexington orchestra—and “Kendrick” became one of three original pieces he composed for the ensemble.

    “That piece demanded everything from them: rhythm, emotion, presence,” Jayson said. “It was a full-body experience.”

    Preparation for the Cup went far beyond regular rehearsals. While in New York, the orchestra recorded at the DiMenna Center, had a workshop with Tanya Chanphanitpornkit of the New York Youth Symphony, and squeezed in extra run-throughs in a professional recording studio. 

    But in between all of the hard work, the group also found moments to just have fun together.

    “I remember us, the day before the competition, coming together during rehearsal and vibing to ‘Swag Surfin’,” said Yaotong Zhang, a violinist.

    Jayson said these “silly, but joyful” moments really brought the group together.

    For the students, the experience of performing on a national stage brought a mix of nerves and adrenaline.

    “I was both nervous and excited because this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to perform in such a big space,” said violinist Kyuri Lee. “I was just so happy I could be there.”

    The massive Grand Champion trophy will live at Lexington High School for the year, and the students also brought back a second, permanent trophy to keep.

    Lee said the group’s strength comes from mutual trust: Each member relies on others to do their part and knows they’ll be supported, even when they’re not always in direct view of one another.

    “The Chamber Orchestra really feels like a family because each person is important to the cohesiveness of our teamwork,” said Sophia Guo, another violinist.

    Zhang also echoed this, saying that everyone could be themselves “without worrying about other people judging because they accept me as a part of the orchestra.”

    Students like Atticus Oliver voiced that the team felt like family and that success is only “meaningful with those to celebrate with…Plus, orchestra’s a lot more fun when everyone knows each other!”

    This story is part of a partnership between the Lexington Observer and the Boston University Department of Journalism.

  • Lexington’s Harrington Elementary to replace single-use tableware with reusables

    Lunchtime at Harrington Elementary School will look a little different — and a lot greener — next fall.

    The town of Lexington is rolling out reusable tableware at the elementary school as part of a sustainability initiative expected to reduce waste and save money. Harrington will be the second school in the district after Hastings Elementary to adopt reusables. 

    The project, backed by a $10,000 grant from the Community Endowment of Lexington, will allow Harrington to replace single-use compostable plates and utensils with reusable alternatives beginning in the 2025-26 school year. The switch is expected to cut down on more than 5,000 pounds of waste annually and save the district more than $17,000 each year.

    Using compostable plates and silverware is “so [much] better than plastic, but not as good as reusables,” said Maggie Peard, the town’s sustainability and resilience officer.

    Waste reduction is a big benefit of the change, as there will be a decrease in single-use disposables going to landfills, said Kevin Silvia, food services manager for Lexington Public Schools (LPS) and resident district manager at Whitsons Culinary Group.

    “Over time, reusables also have a lower carbon footprint, especially when factoring in transportation and production of disposables,” Silvia said. 

    Silvia also pointed to long-term cost savings despite the upfront investment in trays, utensils and dishwashing equipment. 

    “Over a few years, it can save money by reducing ongoing costs of disposables,” he said.

    Beyond finances and sustainability, Silvia emphasized the educational value of reusables for Harrington’s 375 students.

    “This teaches students about sustainability, responsibility and environmental stewardship — it’s a great tie-in for schoolwide green initiatives or even the STEM curriculum,” he said.

    Meal presentation is another plus.

    “Food often looks better and feels more like a ‘real meal’ on reusable trays and with proper silverware, which may even improve meal participation,” Silvia added.

    The initiative was the result of months of planning and collaboration across town departments and school leaders.

    Peard credited members of the Lexington Public Schools Green Teams — particularly Lin Jensen and Tina McBride — along with support from Amber Schmidt of the Clean Water Fund’s ReThink Disposable program for bringing the idea forward. The rest of the project team included Shawn Newell, assistant director of public facilities, as well as Peard and Silvia.

    “The team did site visits of all the schools to inspect dishwashers, or lack thereof, and available space in the kitchens,” Peard said. “Harrington and Fiske were identified as the best schools to start with because of the space available to install new dishwashers.”

    The dishwasher installation is scheduled for June, and cafeteria employees are expected to receive training over the summer to prepare.

    “LPS Food Services was very receptive to the change,” Peard said. “We will see how students react in the fall.”

    Peard hopes the shift will not only reduce waste, but also instill lifelong habits in young students.

    “We are hopeful it will help establish good habits in the students to choose reusable products when they can, and to make them less accustomed to using single-use products,” she said. “With composting already in place… lunch will be a very low-waste event each day.”

    Parents have also expressed support for the shift.

    “I think it’s a fantastic idea,” said Michelle Kim, whose son attends Harrington Elementary School. “It’s a small change, but it sends a message about caring for the environment.”

    She said she appreciates how the initiative teaches her son that even simple, everyday choices, like what kind of plate you eat on, can make a difference.

    As for what’s next, Peard said expansion is on the horizon — if funding allows.

    “That’s definitely the hope,” she said. “Fiske would likely be the next school.”

    This story is part of a partnership between the Lexington Observer and the Boston University Department of Journalism.

  • Lexington’s Harrington Elementary to replace single-use tableware with reusables

    Lunchtime at Harrington Elementary School will look a little different — and a lot greener — next fall.

    The town of Lexington is rolling out reusable tableware at the elementary school as part of a sustainability initiative expected to reduce waste and save money. Harrington will be the second school in the district after Hastings Elementary to adopt reusables. 

    The project, backed by a $10,000 grant from the Community Endowment of Lexington, will allow Harrington to replace single-use compostable plates and utensils with reusable alternatives beginning in the 2025-26 school year. The switch is expected to cut down on more than 5,000 pounds of waste annually and save the district more than $17,000 each year.

    Using compostable plates and silverware is “so [much] better than plastic, but not as good as reusables,” said Maggie Peard, the town’s sustainability and resilience officer.

    Waste reduction is a big benefit of the change, as there will be a decrease in single-use disposables going to landfills, said Kevin Silvia, food services manager for Lexington Public Schools (LPS) and resident district manager at Whitsons Culinary Group.

    “Over time, reusables also have a lower carbon footprint, especially when factoring in transportation and production of disposables,” Silvia said. 

    Silvia also pointed to long-term cost savings despite the upfront investment in trays, utensils and dishwashing equipment. 

    “Over a few years, it can save money by reducing ongoing costs of disposables,” he said.

    Beyond finances and sustainability, Silvia emphasized the educational value of reusables for Harrington’s 375 students.

    “This teaches students about sustainability, responsibility and environmental stewardship — it’s a great tie-in for schoolwide green initiatives or even the STEM curriculum,” he said.

    Meal presentation is another plus.

    “Food often looks better and feels more like a ‘real meal’ on reusable trays and with proper silverware, which may even improve meal participation,” Silvia added.

    The initiative was the result of months of planning and collaboration across town departments and school leaders.

    Peard credited members of the Lexington Public Schools Green Teams — particularly Lin Jensen and Tina McBride — along with support from Amber Schmidt of the Clean Water Fund’s ReThink Disposable program for bringing the idea forward. The rest of the project team included Shawn Newell, assistant director of public facilities, as well as Peard and Silvia.

    “The team did site visits of all the schools to inspect dishwashers, or lack thereof, and available space in the kitchens,” Peard said. “Harrington and Fiske were identified as the best schools to start with because of the space available to install new dishwashers.”

    The dishwasher installation is scheduled for June, and cafeteria employees are expected to receive training over the summer to prepare.

    “LPS Food Services was very receptive to the change,” Peard said. “We will see how students react in the fall.”

    Peard hopes the shift will not only reduce waste, but also instill lifelong habits in young students.

    “We are hopeful it will help establish good habits in the students to choose reusable products when they can, and to make them less accustomed to using single-use products,” she said. “With composting already in place… lunch will be a very low-waste event each day.”

    Parents have also expressed support for the shift.

    “I think it’s a fantastic idea,” said Michelle Kim, whose son attends Harrington Elementary School. “It’s a small change, but it sends a message about caring for the environment.”

    She said she appreciates how the initiative teaches her son that even simple, everyday choices, like what kind of plate you eat on, can make a difference.

    As for what’s next, Peard said expansion is on the horizon — if funding allows.

    “That’s definitely the hope,” she said. “Fiske would likely be the next school.”

    This story is part of a partnership between the Lexington Observer and the Boston University Department of Journalism.

  • Lexington hopes for economic boost from 250th anniversary

    Lexington is anticipating a significant economic boost as it prepares to host thousands of visitors for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

    Sandhya Iyer, director of tourism in Lexington, said the town is already seeing signs of that impact — and more is on the way. 

    “The 250th celebration is the biggest economic driver that will bring the tourism economic impact to a level way higher than numbers before the pandemic,” Iyer said.

    Iyer estimates that between 50,000 to 100,000 visitors could arrive in Lexington during the celebration weekend. Meal tax revenue for Q3 is projected to reach $154,268 in FY25, a sharp increase from $114,970 in FY24. 

    The Tourism Committee also added more services and attracted many tour operators to the area “to keep up the momentum during and after the Lex250th,” she said.

    The celebrations are expected to provide an economic boost not only to Lexington — often called the birthplace of American liberty — but also to nearby cities and towns, including Concord, Cambridge, Boston, and even Salem and Plymouth.

    The Inn at Hastings Park

    In support of these celebrations, the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism allocated $1.5 million in grants to various organizations. The Freedom Trail Foundation received $75,000, and the city of Cambridge was awarded $65,000 for events, including tours and a parade. Lexington secured a total of $58,000 in state funding — $10,000 for the Lexington Historical Society and $48,000 for the Town of Visitors Center.

    Local business owners say they’re looking forward to the boost in foot traffic. Many hope the celebrations will not only commemorate a crucial moment in American history, but also stimulate long-term interest in heritage tourism across Massachusetts.

    The Inn at Hastings Park, a 22-room boutique property just steps from the Lexington Battle Green — where the first shots of the Revolution were fired on April 19, 1775 — is among those preparing to welcome tourists.

    “We hope our guests leave with a deep appreciation for the American Spirit through their immersive experience here,” said the inn’s owner, Trisha Pérez Kennealy. “By staying in a place so closely connected to the birth of American independence, guests can connect with the ideals that shaped our nation.”

    The inn is offering candlelight processions, Colonial-themed feasts and a helicopter tour tracing Revere’s ride from Boston to Lexington. The flight will depart from nearby Hanscom Field and includes aerial views of landmarks like the Old North Church, the Boston Tea Party site and Lexington Battle Green.

    “Paul Revere rode directly past where the inn is situated today,” Kennealy said. “Now guests can follow that same path, just from the sky.”

    Just down the street, il Casale Lexington is embracing the celebrations with themed menus and extended hours. On April 18, the restaurant will offer a carbo-loading dinner ahead of the annual Patriots’ Day 5-Mile Road Race, featuring discounted pasta dishes.

    On April 20, it will host a jazz-themed brunch featuring the Ethan K. Jazz Duo, brunch specials like eggs in purgatory, and Revolutionary-themed cocktails such as the Midnight Ride and the Minuteman Mule.

    “The 250th anniversary will be a momentous moment for Lexington and its surrounding communities, which are packed with rich history,” said Eva Badra, founder and chef-owner of Eva’s Little Kitchen. 

    Il Casale’s jazz brunch

    Eva’s Little Kitchen in Bedford — just minutes from Lexington — is also preparing for a particularly busy weekend, as the 250th anniversary coincides with Easter Sunday. The team is anticipating a significant increase in foot traffic and catering orders, having already received several preorders. 

    Residents say they’re proud of how the town is coming together. Families, in particular, say they are finding joy in sharing the experience with younger generations.

    “It’s amazing to see the whole town come alive for this,” said resident and parent Lena Grant. “We teach kids about history, but now they get to see it all around them. It really brings our history to life.”

    This story is part of a partnership between the Lexington Observer and the Boston University Department of Journalism.

  • New cellphone policy in Lexington Public Schools

    Lexington Public Schools have joined the growing number of schools nationwide that are banning or limiting cellphone use in an effort to curb distractions and improve student focus. 

    The Lexington School Committee has approved a policy banning cellphone use during the school day for students in pre-K through eighth grade. For students in grades 9 through 12, phones must be placed in a teacher-designated holding area during class. The policy allows for some flexibility but aims for consistency so teachers aren’t left with the burden of enforcing phone rules individually. 

    After discussion on language and enforcement, the policy passed on a 4-0 vote Feb. 4.

    The policy, which has been incorporated into the school system’s “Student Standards for the Acceptable Use of Technology,” has taken effect, said Eileen Jay, chair of the Lexington School Committee. It is now the responsibility of school administrators to implement the policy.

    During the drafting process, Jay said principals from each school level — elementary, middle, and high school — were involved in shaping the policy.

    There’s been a heated debate among Lexington students, teachers and parents about the role of phones in education.

    “I don’t think they should ban phones in schools,” said Liv Jones, a Lexington student. “They can be used for academic purposes.”

    Students like Jones rely on their phones to take photos of notes before they disappear from the board. Jones also stated that phones are important for organizing group projects and communicating with classmates about school work.

    Jones’ perspective is supported by the Pew Research Center, which found that 73% of teachers believe students use mobile phones as learning tools in the classroom.

    However, some educators and administrators remain concerned that the negative aspects of phone use — such as distraction and social media addiction — outweigh the benefits.

    Robin Strizhak, president of the Lexington Education Association, shares this concern, emphasizing that constant connectivity isn’t necessary. She believes that phone-free spaces are needed not just in schools but in everyday life.

    “We’re too reliant on our phones,” she said. “We need to learn how to focus again.”

    According to the U.S. Department of Education, 76% of public schools prohibited non-academic phone use during the 2021-22 school year.

    Lexington had been testing a compromise: designated phone pockets in classrooms, where students store their devices during lessons but can retrieve them afterward. But it hasn’t been strictly enforced, and different teachers apply different rules.

    Students like Jones support this balanced approach, though.

    “It makes sense to keep phones off during class but not during breaks and free periods,” she said.

    Experts at the National Association of School Psychologists advocate for this middle-ground approach, arguing that outright bans fail to teach students self-regulation. Instead, they recommend policies that establish clear boundaries during lessons while allowing phone access outside of class, helping students develop responsible digital habits.

    Beyond academics, students argue that banning phones is a matter of personal responsibility and independence. 

    “We’re supposed to be learning about how to be independent. Banning phones takes that independence away,” said Amy Liu, another student at LHS. 

    While most students recognize that phones can be distracting, they say fostering self-discipline is more effective than imposing bans.

    “It’s about responsibility,” Liu said.

    Another argument for banning phones is the potential to reduce cyberbullying, Strizhak says. Nationally, about 16% of students report being bullied online. But banning phones in school might not solve this problem. 

    “Banning phones won’t help with this because much of it happens outside of school hours,” Strizhak said. 

    One of the most emotionally charged aspects of this debate is whether students should have immediate access to their phones in emergencies. 

    “I worry about not being able to contact my mom if something happens,” Liu said. 

    Liu’s and other parents also share this concern, fearing they won’t be able to reach their children when needed. 

    However, Strizhak said, “children should not be able to be contacted at all times. They need to focus on learning.”

    In addition to debate over the policy itself, parents have raised concerns about how the new rules have been communicated — or not communicated — to families.

    Wendi Hoffer, a parent and organizer with the advocacy group Lex Kids Be Kids, said that despite the School Committee approving the policy in early February, many parents, including herself, have not received any official communication from the district.

    Still, she calls the policy a “great step in the right direction.”

    This story is part of a partnership between The Lexington Observer and the Boston University Department of Journalism.

  • Lexington celebrates 250 years of American history through music

    Local high school musicians are bringing history to life through music. 

    Students from Lexington and Concord-Carlisle high schools will take the stage March 4 for “Sound Revolutions,” featuring the world premiere of a commissioned piece by the renowned composer Dwayne Milburn.

    The concert, which starts at 7 p.m. in the Concord-Carlisle High School auditorium, is part of Lex250, a series of community events marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, which began April 19, 1775, with battles in Lexington and Concord.

    Justin Aramati, one of the music teachers organizing the concert, said the collaboration aims to bridge the two towns, both of which played significant roles in American history. 

    “This concert allows us to not only celebrate our shared heritage but also to foster a sense of community through music,” he said.

    The original concept for the concert was conceived by the previous department head, Jared Cassedy. The Lexington High bands commissioned Milburn to compose a piece for the occasion, and Concord-Carlisle also commissioned a new work.

    “The idea was to premiere both pieces at the concert, showcasing the talents of our students and the creativity of contemporary composers,” Aramati said.

    He emphasized the invaluable opportunity for students to learn directly from a living composer.

    “Often, students perform music from composers who are no longer with us,” he said. “Having Dr. Milburn here to discuss his piece and work with the students will enhance their understanding and appreciation of the music.”

    Lorelai Kurspahic, a sophomore at Lexington High who plays in the bands, expressed their enthusiasm for the event. 

    “I think the fact that we got a composer to make a piece just for this event is really neat,” they said.

    Kurspahic noted that while the concert required significant effort from many people, the collaborative aspect was the highlight.

    “Collaboration is always my favorite part of any performance,” they said. 

    Nick Hart, assistant performing arts coordinator at Lexington Public Schools, also highlighted the unique experience for students.

    “They’re not just playing a world-premiere piece, but they also get to work directly with the composer,” he said. “Dr. Milburn will not only conduct the concert but also rehearse with them, sharing inspiration.”

    Aramati said the concert’s significance goes beyond music, serving as a reminder of the historical events from both towns that helped shape the United States. He hopes that students will develop a deeper understanding of the town’s history and its relevance in today’s context.

    “I want our students to realize how special this 250th anniversary is. It’s a big deal, and we’re lucky to be a part of it,” he said.

    Milburn’s commissioned piece is designed to reflect on the themes of American history, allowing listeners to consider what it means to be an American in contemporary society. The composition incorporates songs that were significant during the American Revolution, reimagining them for a modern audience. 

     “We wanted a piece that acknowledges our past while prompting us to think about our identity as Americans today,” Aramati explained.

    Titled “Lexington Triptych,” the piece incorporates several songs, hymns and odes commonly heard in 1775. The first and third movements are energetic and jaunty, while the second movement is slower and more lyrical. Though rooted in traditional material, Milburn reinterprets it through a modern lens, weaving in shifts between major and minor, motif development and a rich harmonic language. 

    “It’s both engaging to perform and fascinating to study,” Aramati said.

    Aramati also emphasized the importance of unity, stating his hopes “to create a sense of collaboration between the two schools.”

    With a combined total of around 230 students performing — 162 from Lexington and 60 to 70 from Concord-Carlisle — the concert is set to be a display of community spirit. The evening will not only feature the world premiere of the commissioned pieces but also a dinner for the two schools, fostering connections through music.

    Many Lexington organizations came together to support the project, including the Lexington Education Foundation, which provided generous funding to commission this work, LHS PTO and FOLMADS  (Friends of Lexington Music, Art and Drama Students), which provided grants to fund Dr. Milburn’s Artist-in-Residents and bring him to Lexington, and Toby Forman, an LHS Band teacher who helped secure Dr. Milburn for the commission and organize the concert.

    “We are so grateful for the continued support from these organizations of the LPS Performing Arts Department and the work that we do! Without them, this whole experience for our students would not be possible,” said LPS Performing Arts Coordinator Angela Carpenter.

    The concert aims to highlight the importance of community and the legacy of the past, reflecting on the sacrifices made for liberty.

    “This was an important, defining moment in the history of our country,” Aramati said. “We shouldn’t take this history for granted.”

    This story is part of a partnership between the Lexington Observer and the Boston University Department of Journalism.