On Saturday, Nov. 15, the Cranston East Band participated in the USBands Nationals held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

“The band had a terrific performance, placing eighth out of 12 bands nationally in the Group 2 Open Class competition [for advanced groups]. Additionally, our percussion section captured the award for ‘Best Percussion,’ making them national champions,” said Mark Colozzi, music director for Cranston East. “This is an amazing accomplishment, especially in light of the past five to six years in regard to the music cuts in our district.”

While Colozzi is used to receiving kudos and acknowledgements for the East music program, he has a secret weapon that sits one desk away from him. It is his co-director, Greg Arsenault.

“Greg is a more behind-the-scenes guy, and I strongly feel that he is often not recognized for all that he is to our program. I am proud to call him my colleague and moreover, my friend. He is a great music educator,” Colozzi said.

Arsenault graduated Lincoln High School and attended the University of Massachusetts for two years, marching with the well-known Minuteman Marching Band. He decided to switch majors from engineering to music and transferred to Rhode Island College. He later earned his master’s in music at the University of Rhode Island.

Arsenault has taught at East for 12 years after teaching elementary music in Cranston for two years and, previous to that, in Providence. However, he has been with the marching band percussion program for 20 years as of this year, the first eight having been as an adjunct instructor.

“To cut to the chase, Greg deserves the credit for the development and success of our percussion program. I often refer to him as the ‘percussion guru’ of Rhode Island,” Colozzi said. “He and his adjunct percussion staff have inspired our kids to strive for the highest level of achievement.”

As a result of cuts in elementary music, students do not have the number of opportunities or exposure to different music styles, types and instruments. Unfortunately, many students have limited or no musical training prior to arriving at East.

“Greg takes these children and works with them. Their talents are honed in an intensive training program that has become a source of pride and a bright light in our department and the school community,” Colozzi said.

The students who participate in the percussion program respect and admire Arsenault immensely.

“When I first joined the East band, I didn’t really know much about what I was doing. Mr. A. has taught me so much. He makes it fun and enjoyable,” said Talia Parente, who is a marching bass drummer.

Echoing that sentiment was mallet percussionist Darien DiNaro.

“Mr A. can be tough, but makes learning fun at the same time. He expects a lot from us and is so enthusiastic,” he said.

Cranston East band members and teachers travel to the middle schools in hope of encouraging and enticing students to pick up an instrument and find their love, joy and passion for music. The students get to see what an incredible job the students at the high school can do.

“The band is such an intricate part of our school and community. I love listening to them practice, and see the bonds that performing together has brought about. Greg does such an amazing job, with all the kids. I am proud that he is part of the Cranston East family,” said Sean Kelly, principal at East.