Arts & Entertainment
The JFK Xylos: Changing the World With Music
The Canton youngsters perform together and let music shape their worlds.
Lindsey Barrett, Theo Bollenbach, Caitlyn Cahill, Jack Chambers, Jimmy Duffy, Bryan Healey, Hannah Jerrier, Kate Lauro, Catherine Leonetti, Tess Lyons, Addison Mirliani, Amanda Mok, David Noone, Michael Panica, Mary Claire Thompson, Erin Phelan and Maggie Wade are the .
These 17 fifth graders, led by Rebecca Smart, the music teacher at the in Canton, make up the popular xylophone band.
And, the Xylos are popular. Plus, the Xylos rock.
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When the Xylos perform, the sound of 17 instruments become one soaring surround sound of kick-your- shoes-away, move-your-body-to-the-beat, take-the day-off-and-have-fun musical message. The first time this writer heard them was outside the JFK, and the pull of their music drew me right into the cafeteria where they were playing.
Music Teacher Rebecca Smart is the driving force behind the group, which was founded in 2008.
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“I wanted to focus on a small group of students musically,” she said. “So I hand-picked a group of fourth and fifth graders, obtained permission and that was how it started.”
Two CAPE grants later, support from , all the parents at the JFK, Principal , and the advocacy of , the Performing Arts Coordinator for the Canton Schools, the Xylos are frequent and featured performers around town.
The Xyloshave built a unique camaraderie and spirit. They have a special chant for their entrance on stage before a concert. (Moo!) They have a kind of secret password to identify each other. They have a code word for getting out of line. They have a logo, a Cow with holes, and the motto, “Rock On”
Student Bryan Healey described how they became Xylos. “At the end of fourth grade, we filled out a permission sheet and wrote an essay.”
Tess Lyons provided more description. “We had to write a paragraph about what music means to me”.
They all feel that music can change the world.
Two members of the original Xylos, still come by to help. Ariana Poznick and Caterina Polito, now in seventh grade, are still drawn to the music and come to play at rehearsals.
And the kids? They are on to something.
"Being in the Xylos is great,” said Addie Mirliani. “While you’re playing the music, you feel the emotion, and you are involved. I always look forward to rehearsal, and classmates think it’s cool.”
Michael Panico explained why he loves the Xylos. “I wanted to be in the group,” he said. “My neighbor and my sister were Xylos. So I wanted to be.”
They are a tight group, rehearsing once a week plus giving up a recess period. “All your friends do it with you and it’s fun,” said Hanna Jerrier. “Everyone gets along and pulls together.”
Theo Bollenback added, “It can help people express their feelings.”
When asked about their popularity and the success of the group, Erin Phelan hit the nail on the head to a chorus of nodding heads. “It’s like putting a pie together,” she said. “You have a bite, and it tastes so good, you have to have more.”
The JFK Xylos–bet you will want more.
