Londonderry News

December 15th a night never to forget for Londonderry, as what looked like thousands of Mr. Soucy’s friends, celebrated the magic of the Holiday Season with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops. The Verizon center was nearly full with others in the Christmas spirit from throughout the region. The vocal accompaniment came from Cantus. Just returning from a thirteen-day engagement in Cameroon Africa, many were startled by the range and quality of song by these young men. The crowds favorite was a rendition of Dr. Seuss “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, except for the grand Conductor Andy Soucy, Music Director in the Londonderry School District when conducting “Sleigh Ride”

Keith Lockhart invited Andy’s son, Joe Soucy, presently at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg on a one year fellowship, to join in with his Bass and play while his father Andy Soucy conducted. During the performance Lockhart delegated himself to the percussion section. On command from Andy he professionally struck “the clappers” when appropriate for assisting in the illusion of a horse participating in the song. Ending with a standing ovation from the entire arena Mr. Soucy bowed and turned to compliment and respect his new orchestra. On return to the stand Keith Lockhart expressed to the young Joe Soucy, “since you are all set with your bass, you may as well stay with us if you like for the second half!” While not the thunderous reaction Andy received conducting it was clear that the crowd was pleased with this honor.

The mystery of the baton was solved, options included;

• He would need his own.

• Keith Lockhart would let him borrow one.

• Their would be one on the stand for him to use.

As it turns out Andy received a commemorative baton from Mr. Lockhart that we are sure will be cherished along with his other artifacts collected since he started at Londonderry High School in the mid 1970′s

At the table on the floor Andy was joined with his wife Dr. Kim Soucy and daughter Malei. Chris Robinson, a senior at Londonderry High School, was one of several music students who nominated Soucy in a 50 word email why he should chosen. Chris plays bass in the school’s jazz band and he also plays trombone in the school’s marching and symphonic bands. His twin brother, George, is also in the jazz ensemble and is the marching band’s drum line captain. They both were at the table on the floor to share in the honor when a teacher they respect and love “and they had a good time”.

For those that may have missed the event this underground video will share some of the excitement from the view of a student!

Read the rest of the story for more images!

Lockhart-Soucy photo courtesy image by Barbara Mee