Ward Melville’s music classes and clubs recognized Music in Our Schools Month, which occurs every March, with the community-based events Music Without Borders and Sunday at Symphony. Music Without Borders, held by the Tri-M Music Honor Society over three Wednesdays in March, is an annual opportunity for elementary and junior high students to receive free music lessons from high school students in order to prepare for their NYSSMA auditions and spring concerts. Sunday at Symphony, an event open to the public, gives younger kids the chance to explore the different instruments before they choose what they want to play in school. The Sunday at Symphony concert was held on Sunday, March 24th, and there was an in-school performance for the entire district’s third grade on Friday, March 22nd.
Tri-M Co-President Vinny Vinciguerra said, “Music Without Borders is one of my favorite events because we’re always trying to inspire the next generation of musicians in our district and to create the same memorable experiences that we had when we were younger.” Some members expressed appreciation for being able to work with the same students over three weeks and then later seeing them at their NYSSMA auditions in early April. Senior Brianna Zenaty commented, “It’s really great to be able to form connections with the same students over weeks and see them improve, and then to be able to cheer them on as they play at NYSSMA, which is what we’ve been working towards.” The support is mutual as well; one third-grader who took lessons at Music Without Borders mentioned, “I really enjoyed it. I got to see my teacher play in the concert!” Co-President Katie Lascarides noted, “Music Without Borders not only helps so many younger students but really inspires our own members to see directly the impact they’re having. When you think about it, offering so many free lessons is an immense service to the community, and everybody benefits from it.”
Mr. Hein, the orchestra conductor at Ward Melville and a Tri-M advisor, spoke proudly of the robust music offerings at Three Village. He emphasized that what made the different music ensembles so strong and capable was the dedication of the students: “This is my favorite event of the year. As high school musicians, we are always looking to pay it forward and help out the younger musicians in our district. I am so proud of our Tri-M members for being so kind, caring, and inspiring to our younger musicians and encouraging them to continue making music at a high level in Three Village. Music Without Borders is just one of the many events our Tri-M members put on to continue the excellence of the Three Village music department and to inspire the musicians of the future.” Murphy Junior High School’s orchestra teacher, Ms. Latman, echoed this sentiment, affirming, “It’s a huge strength of our district to have such a supportive and collaborative environment.”
Sunday at Symphony features the Ward Melville Honors Orchestra, which includes both string and band instruments. This year’s performance included repertoire from Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, music from Encanto and Star Wars, and more. In addition to the main pieces, all of the instrument sections played short excerpts to highlight the distinctive aspects of each instrument. The event was narrated by Ward Melville’s Acting Principal Dr. Gold, who showed off his musical prowess by demonstrating the mighty triangle. During the Star Wars medley, there was a battle with lightsabers between Darth Vader, played by junior Edward McVicker, and Rey, played by sophomore Shannon Orr. The skit was a favorite amongst kids in the audience. The concert’s finale, the 1812 Overture, saw the piece’s signature cannons imitated by junior Liam Lennon on the bass drum and confetti cannons at the end.
Following the performance, kids were welcomed up to touch and try playing the instruments, guided by Tri-M members. This was an opportunity for younger kids to think about what instruments they might want to play, as they can join school music ensembles starting in third grade. Mrs. Amoroso, the orchestra director at Nassakeag Elementary School, told Kaleidoscope that, “Music in Our Schools Month builds connections in our school community and supports young musicians in their personal and academic development. My students have grown so much musically throughout this enjoyable month.” Looking ahead, the district’s spring concerts are ongoing. It will be Ward Melville’s longtime chorus teacher and musical director Ms. Contino’s final spring concert, and the high school’s music groups are also looking forward to the Pops concert, a fun performance open to the public in June.
