Midlakes band students teamed up with Grammy-nominated recording engineer Mark Morette for a marathon recording session that will power the music behind this year’s graduation and school events.
The full-day session featured students recording several pieces, including “Pomp and Circumstance,” “Amparito Roca,” and selections from Hamilton, all of which will be used during Commencement on June 28. The National Anthem was also recorded for future use at athletic and school ceremonies.
“We wanted to have an opportunity for the students — and the seniors especially — to be part of graduation’s music,” said Midlakes Band Director Will Hope. “And it will be neat to feature the band for other things at school, sporting events, things like that.”
Hope called it both a performance and a lesson. “The students learn the recording process and see what goes into it behind the scenes,” he said.
Morette, who owns Mark Custom Recording in Erie County, has worked with top-tier acts including the Goo Goo Dolls, the Misfits, and the Chicago Symphony. His company has earned two Grammy nominations and over 60 Grammy Entry List appearances. The project was made possible through the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES Arts and Education department.
During the daylong session, students worked in 45-minute blocks while Morette provided real-time playback and feedback. “It was a marathon day,” Hope said. “They paid attention to the fine details and refined the sound.”
“It was a big undertaking,” said Amelia Santy, Class of 2026. “It was a challenge to have the stamina.”
Students responded to the intensity with focus and curiosity. “The students stepped up to the occasion and put out a great product,” Hope said. “They valued the experience of working with an engineer directly and asked him questions, good questions.”
Morette’s high-mounted microphones captured the sound while he listened from a small room nearby, often requesting just a few measures be redone to ensure accuracy.
“It was a lot of playing, it was a lot of fun,” said Brian Cannan, Class of 2028.
“This was a great capstone for the year as an ensemble,” Hope added. “It showcases our best.”
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