Former Dartmouth graduate and Zeiterion director said she was “blown away” by the talent on display at the high school. An impressive feat considering she’s responsible for bringing top-notch talent to the South Coast.

Dartmouth’s young musicians put their talent on display during the Annual Spring Pops Concert, a night that brings together Dartmouth High’s orchestra, chorus, stage band, concert band, percussion ensemble and color guard.

The event is held by the Dartmouth School Music Association, a parent-driven fundraising group that supplements the financial needs of the district’s music department.

The concert is also noteworthy for honoring someone in the music world each year. In the past, the award has gone to a teacher in the district that’s retiring. This year, the performers and association honored Rosemary Gill, who currently serves as the executive director of the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, New Bedford’s 1,200-seat theater built in 1923.

In her role at “The Z,” which is a non-profit organization, Gill is responsible for all programming and oversees marketing and fundraising.

“We make sure that we bring in a diversity of programs. That means we bring music, theater, dance and comedy,” she said.

Gill is one of six children – all of whom played instruments in Dartmouth’s middle and high school. At her time in the district, Gill played a variety of instruments in her youth before making her way to Dartmouth High.

“I played the piano actually, but I couldn’t march with a piano, so they gave me marimbas. It’s very different, but the keys are very different,” said Gill. “It was fun. It was a real source of pride and accomplishment.”

At the Pops Concert, parents and fans lined the bleachers in the high school’s gym. Round tables gave some lucky patrons a front row seat of the action. The various music groups, which filled have the gymnasium, took turns performing everything from “The Wizard of Oz” to songs by Green Day.

“What’s amazing about this is their level is so impressive,” said Gill. “Teaching the kids to strive for excellence sets them up for success in life and sets them up to appreciate excellence and other art.”

“Much to the credit of the music association that has been so supportive over the years to make this all happen,” she added.