FITCHBURG — Two Fitchburg High School students, Monica Padilla and Ben Willow, have been selected for the Central District Chorus. They are the first students to go to the prestigious music competition since the 1990s.
For chorus teacher Talia Mercadante, the success of Padilla and Willow has brought joy and pride. The night of the concert in Worcester found all three beaming at Worcester’s Mechanics Hall.
Padilla, a senior, has been musical since infancy. “My family has videos of me at five months singing,” she said. As the grandchild of two Pentecostal pastors she grew up in a rich choral environment. “I grew up in the Church singing — we do three hours singing in church.”
Padilla joined the FHS Chorus in her junior year and was glad to find a home where she could be challenged learning new songs and expanding her musical horizons. She built a strong bond with her music teacher, and said, “Without Miss Mercadante, I don’t think I’d be where I am. She pushed me to do things I’m not comfortable with, and she stayed after schools to help me — she didn’t have to do that!”
Mercadante notes, “Monica is a very talented musician who plays alto saxophone in our concert band and also sings in both the concert choir and a capella group. She is very coachable, open to any kind of musical direction which makes her a pleasure to work with. I have seen a tremendous amount of growth throughout her time in the FHS Music Department.
“Monica will also perform in the NEMFA concert choir this March. She was accepted for the second year in a row! She has played lead roles in our musicals and has even written her own song for the graduating seniors this year that she plans on teaching to them.”
To compete in Central District, Padilla had to learn complex scores.
“I love being able to learn things that are complicated and have different rhythms,” Padilla said. She is planning to focus on a music-centric career in college, and has already received scholarship offers from a variety of universities.
Willow, a junior, began singing in fifth grade and cites “time and effort” as essential to improving. “I’ve had a lot of experience in music and every year I learn more.”
Willow has participated in numerous school and city events and can include on his resume unusual singing opportunities such as being part of the “Dead Chorus” at the Haunted House Civic Days events.
Mercadante said, “Ben is a very committed bass who was accepted into Junior Central District Chorus in ninth grade and has served as our bass section leader for the last two years. Ben also sings with Monica in the after school a capella group as well. I am so lucky to have them in the program!”
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