The Rocky Point Friends of Music, the district’s community booster club for music, sponsored a vocal masterclass and recital on March 25. This special event featured professional operatic soprano, Toni Marie Palmertree, who led the masterclass that included vocal soloists by seven Rocky Point Middle School and High School singers.

The students Kenley Sontag (Grade 6), Anne Mahosky (Grade 7), Jiselle Sinclair (Grade 8), Marisa Hansen (Grade 9), Grayson Steigerwald (Grade 10), Sebastian Garske (Grade 12) and Maya Alexander (Grade 12) took part in the afternoon vocal masterclass – like a voice lesson – with the added element of performance. The students performed a well-rehearsed piece in front of an audience and Ms. Palmertree, who then offered suggestions to improve their performance and/or technique in a safe, supportive learning environment. This style of teaching allows both the performer and the audience members to learn from the experience with the master teacher. 
Ms. Palmertree is known for her riveting portrayals of Verdi and Puccini heroines. She recently performed the Title role of Tosca with the Metropolitan Opera. Additional career highlights include performances with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Festival Opera of New Zealand and many more. 

The evening recital included Till There Was You performed by Marisa Hansen, Florian’s Song performed by Kenley Sontag, How Could I Ever Know? performed by Grayson Steigerwald, Hedge Roses performed by Anne Mahosky, Ave Maria performed by Sebastian Garske, Nina performed by Jiselle Sinclair and Che Faro Senza Euridice performed by Maya Alexander.
Ms. Palmertree, then followed with an incredible performance that included Out of the South Blew a Wind, Song to the Moon, O mio babbino caro and The Girl in 14G.

A collaborative statement from Middle School Chorus Director Emily Farrell and High School Chorus Director Jessica Spitz stated, “This was such an amazing experience, and we cannot thank the Rocky Point Friends of Music enough for all they did to make this happen. The students and adults in the audience for both the masterclass and recital were absolutely rivetted! During the masterclass, students from sixth grade through high school were taking notes of the many techniques and tips that Ms. Palmertree had to share. One student even commented that she had taken over six pages of notes! It was so inspiring to see the students perform and receive feedback from a professional singer. The students were given a variety of suggestions and ways to try new things to help their technique. This included everything from doing ballet movement while they sing to engage their core to reach those tricky high notes, to sticking their tongue out to release tension and create a wider vocal cavity. The students did this with such enthusiasm! We are so proud of all the students involved who took the time to learn from such a mature experience, and we look forward to seeing the benefits of an event like this as we prepare for NYSSMA and other performances later this year.”

A joint message from Rocky Point Music Department Chairpersons Mr. Craig Knapp and Ms. Amy Schecher read, “WOW! This was a wonderful event! We are so lucky to have Mrs. Farrell and Ms. Spitz on the music department faculty! This was such a beneficial event for their vocal students, and we are so grateful that they took the initiative to plan such a special and worthwhile experience. Special thanks to Mrs. Farrell for making the incredible connection with Ms. Palmertree, who was one of her professors while studying for her master’s degree in Choral Conducting. The masterclass was incredibly valuable for not only the students participating, but for the students in attendance. It was amazing how Ms. Palmertree was able to provide feedback that immediately improved the sound of each singer. She also had a supportive approach and created an environment where the students let go of their inhibitions. Her suggestions included having the students act, speak and move in ways that seemed silly at first, yet the students felt safe and relaxed doing a variety of activities that would normally be way out their comfort zone. The evening recital was a memorable experience. Our students and community members had the opportunity to attend a free performance that would have cost hundreds of dollars at the prestigious venues Ms. Palmertree has performed in throughout her illustrious career. We are so fortunate to have dedicated parents involved with the Rocky Point Friends of Music. This event could not have taken place without their support. Thank you to the Rocky Point administrators and Board of Education for supporting music events like this.”