The Linden S.T.E.A.M Academy Band playing classical music. Photo by Ronald Batista.
Wednesday, April 4th, students at the Linden STEAM Academy, from the 4th grade through the 8th grade, performed in a band concert to showcase the hard work they have been doing all year in band classes. For many of the students it was an opportunity to perform on stage for the first time.
The students in band were given the opportunity to play many different types of instruments, such as the flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone and percussion instruments. These students signed up for band, this option is open to all students at Linden STEAM Academy. All of these instruments were taught by the band director, Jared Henderson.
The students were split into different sections depending on their grade levels. Each grade level played a couple of songs for the audience to enjoy. These songs consisted of everything, from simple songs like hot cross buns, to classical excerpts, to funky jazz repertoire from composers like Herbie Hancock. The songs were carefully selected by Henderson to match the skill level of the students and the difficulty of each song.
Henderson states that he also took into consideration the “input and suggestions from the students”. Along with all of the group performances, there was also a performance by two students, with some help from Henderson. Students Jahiem Francillon and Camari Warner along with Henderson composed the song as a group. Henderson says “Warner came up with a few different drum ideas and Francillon sang and played different melodic ideas on the piano.” He adds that “[he] offered small suggestions and guidance to help them shape it into a more structured song”.
Henderson states that “each group met once or twice a week during school for about 45 minutes. [They] rehearsed as a group and broke down the songs into smaller chunks, isolating tricky spots that need attention. As [they] learned the pieces, [they] began to play larger sections of them and add more expressive elements”.The students have been putting hard work and dedication since November, with demanding rehearsals. Since the rehearsals were not constant a lot of the effort had to be put at home, with a lot of practice.
Henderson used many different ways to be able to spread the word about this event. He sent out emails to the parents who have students in band and also posted it on the school calendar and website.
Henderson States that “[he] thinks the night went great”. He also added that “[he]was really proud of the students and of their performance at the concert. [He] was also very impressed by how many people attended the concert”. Henderson states that there will be another performance at the end of the year.
