JAE held their second set of Spring concerts at the High School auditorium for the 4th/5th Grade Chorus, 4th Grade Band and 5th Grade Orchestra on May 29.

The JAE 4th/5th Grade Chorus, under the direction of Mr. Craig Knapp, opened the show with a joyful, challenging and diverse program of songs, including two selections from the Broadway musical “Wicked.” This included renditions of “Popular” and “Defying Gravity.” Mr. Knapp provided the opportunity for students to be part of the process for selecting repertoire for this concert. This student-centered learning approach aligns with the Rocky Point Strategic Plan. The students selected music from “Wicked,” providing them with a sense of ownership over their success and experience. Their final piece “Climb Higher” featured soloists Casey Angelo, Layla Chudyk, Kendall Daly, Elizabeth Karpegiane-Ferreira, Kaitlin Neligon, Carina Nunziata, Kaylee Perillo, Serafina Sirico, Lacy Solomon, Abigail Tully and Emma Wurm. 

The 4th Grade Band, under the baton of Miss Cailyn Monastero, performed a delightful program of familiar folk songs including, “Hot Cross Buns” and the challenging “Big Beat Boogie.” The JAE 5th Grade Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. Dave Ventura, performed very fun and difficult selections that included pieces ranging from the rock style piece “Rockin’ Strings” to the Baroque selection “Rigadoon.” All the performances were joyful, expressive and very successful. The enthusiastic audience reaction for each group displayed how proud the parents were of their children!
 
A congratulatory message from Rocky Point Music Department chairpersons Mr. Knapp and Ms. Amy Schecher read: “We are so proud of the JAE music students. The students have spent countless hours rehearsing before school. The have sharpened not only their music skills, but they also learned the importance of building teamwork leading up to their performances. It has been an extraordinary series of concerts for the Rocky Point School District this Spring. The terrific concerts the student musicians in all our schools performed is a true testament to their hard work, effort and dedication. We are very lucky to have such amazing students involved in the music program and we are thankful to our dedicated and energetic music staff and the parents for supporting their children in their involvement with the performing arts. Thank you to all the administrators and Board of Education members for their continued support of our music programs.”
 
Mr. Knapp added, “It has been a pleasure to observe the incredible progress made by the students in all the JAE performing ensembles. I was extremely overjoyed to see how much the 5th Grade Orchestra has grown in its second year. The students are truly reaping the benefits of starting the instrumental program in grade 4. It is a gift to work with Miss Monastero and Mr. Ventura. They are both very passionate, talented and dedicated music educators. It’s a true team effort at JAE! On a personal note, I’m really going to miss our current 5th grade students who are ready to take that giant leap into Middle School. They have been a fun bunch and have really helped to reinspire my work in the classroom and in the rehearsal setting. Congratulations to all the chorus and instrumental students for putting on a terrific concert!”