On Monday, June 1, the Rocky Point Music Department hosted a series of “Introduction to the Instrumental Program” workshops for the Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School’s 3rd grade students. Now in its fifth year, this event is aimed to recruit 3rd grade students into the JAE Band and Orchestra instrumental programs.

This event utilized an "Instrument Petting Zoo" format, where several tables were set up based on the various instrument families (brass, woodwind, percussion, string) in the JAE Old Gym. After a brief introduction, the 3rd grade students had the opportunity to hear members of the 5th Grade Band and Orchestra perform short excerpts from their recent Spring Concerts. The 3rd grade students then rotated through the different instrument stations where they explored the various options available for them to select. This offered the opportunity for the 3rd grade students to get an up close and personal experience, where they were able to see, touch, hear, and play the instruments. This event presented information so that 3rd grade students can make an informed decision about their instrument choice for next year. At the end of the session, all students received an informational packet explaining to the students and their parents how to make their instrument selections.

Members of the Music Department faculty contributed by overseeing each instrument station. Music staff members on hand included Secondary Music Department Chairperson and band director Amy Schecher, as well as fellow band directors Kyra Kenwood, Cailyn Monastero and Vinny Ragona, who each led sessions at the woodwinds, brass and percussion stations. Rocky Point orchestra directors Nick Butcher, Dave Ventura and Meghan Walter guided the students at the various tables for string instruments. Elementary Music Department Chairperson Craig Knapp planned and organized this annual event and served as host while guiding the students through the sessions.

One of the contributing factors to the success of this event was the inclusion of 5th Grade Band and Orchestra Student Ambassadors. The role of the 5th grade ambassadors included:
1.    Helping to demonstrate their instruments and perform for the 3rd graders.
2.    Assisting with having the 3rd grade student try playing the various instrument choices that are available for them to select.
3.    Encouraging the 3rd grade students to consider joining the instrumental music program.
4.    Providing the opportunity to have 3rd grade students see their older counterparts having fun playing their instrument and engaging in music making.
5.    Speaking to the 3rd grade students about their instrument and about their experience playing in band or orchestra.
6.    Acting as peer mentors to assist the younger students in making an informed decision when considering an instrument choice for next year.

A message from Rocky Point Music Department Chairpersons Mr. Craig Knapp and Ms. Amy Schecher read: “It is always so exciting to introduce the 3rd grade students to the JAE Instrumental Program! The students had a fun time rotating through the various stations and getting to see, hear and play the instruments that they have been learning about in their weekly special area music classes. We feel this up close and personal experience was beneficial for the children and we hope that the event generated a sense of wonder and enthusiasm for our students to consider playing a band or orchestra instrument. It is our desire that the “Instrument Petting Zoo” format greatly assisted the students in making an informed decision for their instrument selection. The entire day was very well-received by students and classroom teachers. We are very happy about having 5th grade students assist with this special event. We truly believe that having 5th grade members of band and orchestra acting in a leadership role is an integral component for recruitment of our 3rd graders. It is also a great source of pride for our 5th grade band and orchestra members. The 5th Grade Band and Orchestra Student Ambassadors were so nurturing and encouraging to the 3rd grade students. Thank you to our talented students for making a difference! We are also eternally grateful to have such a hardworking and dedicated music department faculty contribute to the success of this day. We are thankful for the support that the Rocky Point School District administration and Board of Education provides for our music department and our student musicians.”

Thank you to the following 5th Grade Band and Orchestra Student Ambassadors for participating.