On Wednesday evening, May 6, 2026, the Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School continued the Rocky Point Spring Concert series with a remarkable Spring Concert at the High School auditorium. The JAE 3rd Grade Chorus, under the direction of Mr. Craig Knapp, began the concert with a fun program that included a Calypso song, “Shake the Papaya Down.” This selection included 5th grade percussionist Lily Pendl, and 2nd Grade Chorus Director Miss Macedonio, performing on tubano drums! The 3rd Grade Chorus was accompanied by the multitalented and exceptionally dedicated Miss Monastero, who is also the current band director at the JAE School. The 4th Grade Orchestra then took the stage under the baton of Mr. Dave Ventura. They performed a very challenging program of songs, including the familiar “Mary Had A Little Lamb” and other traditional folk songs. The students were extremely prepared and performed very nicely in their first ever orchestra concert. Closing the evening was the 5th Grade Band, under the baton of Miss Cailyn Monastero. In their second year of playing together, the 5th Grade Band performed a very challenging program that included, “High Adventure,” and “Creatures in the Attic.” The students enjoyed performing and the concert was well received by the enthusiastic and proud audience.

A congratulatory message from Rocky Point Music Department chairpersons Mr. Craig Knapp and Ms. Amy Schecher read: “The terrific concert that the children performed is a true testament to their hard work, effort and dedication. The students have spent countless hours rehearsing before school while building teamwork and musical skills leading up to this performance. They performed with great joy it was a truly special evening of music making. We are very proud of these amazing student musicians and they deserve the highest praise for their accomplishments. Thank you to the families of these terrific students for all of their support and encouragement. Thank you to all of the administrators and Board of Education members in Rocky Point for their continued support of our music programs.”

Mr. Knapp added, “I really appreciated watching the process unfold and being a part of the journey that the students in each group were on together during the many months of rehearsals. I was overjoyed to see how much the 5th Grade Band has grown in its second year. The students are reaping the benefits of starting the instrumental program in grade 4. It is a pleasure to work with Miss Monastero and Mr. Ventura. They are both hardworking, dedicated and very talented music educators. We are lucky to have them both at JAE! Congratulations to all of the chorus and instrumental students for putting on a fantastic concert!”