The halls of East Meadow High School resonated with the sound of music this summer as hundreds of students from 20 Nassau County school districts participated in the district’s annual Summer Music Program. During the five-week program, beginner, intermediate and advanced-level student-musicians headed to school in the mornings to hone their music skills and techniques in preparation for the fall.
Summer Music Program Director Joel Levy explained that the program, which has been hosted for the past 50 years, provides East Meadow School District students and students from surrounding districts in grades 4-12 with the opportunity to keep up their skills. “This program helps the students to remain motivated for the upcoming school year, and it fosters an appreciation and love for music,” Mr. Levy stated.
The beginner instrumental program is designed for students who have never played an instrument and focuses on the fundamentals of music. Mr. Levy explained that these beginners receive a strong foundation, which will take them into the fall and beyond as they continue in their respective music programs. At the end of each session, participants have the opportunity to sing in the chorus, as well.
During the intermediate and advanced band/orchestra programs, the students rehearse for most of the morning and then have the opportunity to participate in the jazz ensemble, show chorus or chamber orchestra. This is also the first year that the program has offered a percussion ensemble.
The session ends with each student participating in one of the program’s many concerts for parents and friends, which showcase the new skills that have been acquired over the summer.
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