Summer music in the Central High School District

A total of 280 students from the Valley Stream Central High School District, District 13, District 24 and District 30 participated in this year’s Summer Music Enrichment Program. For five weeks, these students participated in their selection of band, chorus or strings sessions led by district faculty members on weekday mornings.

The groups absorbed the positive impacts of musical expression as they became immersed in different techniques, practiced various concepts, demonstrated collaboration and experienced a range of genres. Students entering grades 7 -12 attended workshops at Memorial Junior High School, while those entering grades 4-6 were taught at Wheeler, Willow, William L. Buck and Shaw Avenue elementary schools.

“It gives us an opportunity to remember how to play our instruments and gives us something to do over the summer break,” said Mary Chong, a ninth-grader at Memorial Junior High School who plays the clarinet and snare drums.

The students were able to share their newfound skills at the Summer Concert Series in July and early August. The concert series featured community band and orchestra ensembles comprised of students who performed in the District Music Festival, alumni, faculty members and other local musicians. They presented an assortment of melodies, ranging from contemporary pieces to classical songs.

“The Summer Music Program in conjunction with the Community Band and Orchestra burnish the already impressive music programs in all of the Valley Stream schools,” said District Coordinator of Fine and Performing Arts Dr. Adam Erdos.