In partnership with fellow WHS Alumna and pianist, Alexandra Saraceno, we invite WHS musical alumni and the Watertown community to the old Watertown library, Walker Hall, (50 DeForest Street, Watertown) for our first WHS Alumni Winter Recital on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 6:30pm. Come enjoy classical music, bring a date, get dressed up, and enjoy!

PARKING is available in the Congregational Church next door - though we want to note their parking lot lights are broken. We will have someone outside with a flashlight to guide you, if necessary. There is also parking available at Woodward Chapel, a short walking distance from Walker Hall.

WHS students are encouraged to attend and meet with musicians after their performances to ask any questions about life after high school pursuing music.

Please RSVP to this event on Facebook if you are going to attend. The event is free with a $10 or $20 donation suggestion at the door.RSVP on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/events/634600150680884

We sincerely hope you can join us in this celebration of local pride and musical pursuits!

Our confirmed musicians and vocalists:

Alexandra Saraceno, Class of 2010, New York, New York

Alexandra Saraceno began her piano studies at a young age in Watertown, Connecticut. An active soloist and collaborator, she has performed at various venues and festivals throughout the country. A graduate of Western Connecticut State University, Alexandra studied with Russell Hirshfield and received her Bachelor of Music degree with a philosophy minor. She continued her studies at New York University, studying with Marilyn Nonken, to pursue a Master of Music in piano performance and an Advanced Certificate in piano performance and pedagogy. 

Past engagements include Spectrum’s Modern Piano (+) Festival Hommage à Messiaen recital, Mark Mothersbaugh’s Music for Six-Sided Keyboard in conjunction with Motherbaugh’s Myopia exhibition organized by the Grey Art Gallery; George Antheil’s Ballet Mécanique for four pianos and Philip Glass’s The Fall of the House of Usher with NYU’s Contemporary Music Ensemble directed and conducted by Jonathan Haas; History of American Music Community Arts Program (soloist) at Symphony Space directed by David Rosenmeyer; and the Arts for Mexico and Puerto Rico Benefit Gala Concert at Hunter College.

Alexandra’s affinity for contemporary music has led to collaborating with composers, performing with NYU’s Contemporary Music Ensemble, New Music and Dance Ensemble, WCSU’s New Music Ensemble, and premiering works for solo piano, chamber ensemble, and orchestra. A sought-after teacher, Alexandra has cultivated a comprehensive approach through her work at the Center for Creative Youth at Wesleyan University, the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Western Connecticut State University, and the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University as adjunct piano instructor, and throughout the New York City public schools.

Amber Wood, Class of 2007, Baltimore, MD

Amber Wood is a 3rd grade teacher in the public school system, a voice teacher at Artist Music Academy, and a company member of the Stillpointe Theatre Initiative. She first developed her love for  the performing arts singing in various children’s choirs and musicals. She also began playing piano at the age of 5 and studied at the Hartt School of Music during her adolescence. After performing in the musicals at Watertown High School, The Warner Theatre, and the Thomaston Opera House during her teen years, she went on to major in Musical Theatre Performance and received her B.F.A. from Ithaca College in 2011. After graduation, she became the Interim Director of Music at the Watertown Congregational Church before moving to NYC and performing at various theaters throughout the Tri-State area. In 2014 she was accepted into the Teach For America Program and moved to Baltimore, where she continues to perform. In 2016, she received her Masters of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University.

Christine Manalo, Class of 2014, Bethel, Connecticut

Christine Manalo is a pianist, organist, and operatic soprano based in Western Connecticut. As a native of Watertown, CT, she privately studied piano with Ms. Anna Jedd and continued to pursue her love for music. Under the direction of Ms. Jedd, she was a singer in the Litchfield County Children’s Choir, where she was able to perform with the Connecticut Choral Society and CT Master Chorale. Through these experiences, she was given the opportunity to perform on the Lincoln Center stage. 

She is currently the Choir Director at Bethel High School, where she leads two choirs, as well as Keyboarding and Adaptive Music. She collaborates actively with the BHS Symphonic Band and Orchestra, and currently resides as the Music Director for their mainstage musical production. She is a recent WCSU graduate, earning her B.S. Music Education degree, where she studied classical voice with Laura Mashburn, and classical piano with Dr. Russell Hirshfield. She is the winner of the 2018 James Furman Honors competition, and recently placed first in the Upper College Women’s Division in New England National Association of Teachers Singing (NATS). 

Past stage credits include Hansel ünd Gretel (Gretel) at WCSU, which was selected as the 1st Place Winner in the National Opera Assocation Competition; The Magic Flute (Second Spirit) at Yale Opera, and Die Zauberflote (Pamina).

Additionally, Christine is an active organist and pianist. She has previously served as the Music Coordinator and Pianist for Union Congregational Church in Oakville, and now currently presides as the organist at All Saints Episcopal Church in Watertown. 

Linda Norton, Class of 2004, Watertown, Connecticut

Linda Norton is a local business owner and performer. Linda has been singing in choirs since second grade, and was a member of the WHS choir from 2000-2004. She went onto Naugatuck Community College and joined their choir and opera society and ensemble. While pursuing her associates degree in Liberal Arts, she also attended music classes such as Music Theory and Ear Training. Now she owns Relaxing Getaway Massage in Watertown, and she’s also a member of the Hartford Chorale where she has been singing second soprano for two years.