Student Spotlight: Elisa Bellofatto, HWRHS sophomore percussionist

Here at FOTA, we love hearing from HWRSD families about their student's achievements in the arts. High School parent Gina Zurlo recently shared her daughter Elisa's amazing accomplishments at the MMEA (MA Music Educators Association) Northeastern District Festival and All State Festival with us:

“I’d like to share results from the latest Massachusetts Music Educators Association instrumental festivals/competitions for the 2025–2026 school year. My daughter, Elisa Bellofatto (HWRHS sophomore) tied for the top-ranked percussionist in the Northeastern District Festival, which performed at Arlington High School on January 10.

She was then invited to audition for the MMEA All State Festival, where she placed as the top-ranked mallet percussionist in the entire state of MA. This is an incredible achievement, especially as a sophomore! She worked extremely hard, and we're looking forward to the festival concert on Saturday, March 21st at the Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts in Worcester.

Many thanks to Eric Fecke, HW Director of Bands, for his support, as well as her private lesson teachers Deborah Welsh Ibanez and Roger Brockelbank.”

Thank you for sharing this wonderful news with us, Gina, and way to go Elisa! Keep up the great work spreading joy through the art of music!

(photo credit Tracey Westgate Photography)