TJL saw the return of its beloved String Day on April 26. A longstanding tradition, coordinated by fifth-grade orchestra director Nick Rinaldi, it serves as a bridge between grades, bringing younger students from Cathy Ferraro’s third- and fourth-grade groups, and older students from Greg Antonelli's Harborfields High School Orchestra via the Musicians Helping Musicians program, into a rehearsal setting with the hosting ensemble.
At the event, the fifth-grade orchestra presented several of their concert pieces; two advanced high school students – Cameryn Taylor and Chris Hummel – played parts of their NYSSMA All-State solos for the group; and all of the students, from beginners to graduating seniors, played scales and familiar folk tunes together. Rinaldi, Ferraro and Antonelli each had an opportunity to work with the 100-plus students in attendance.
“This is the first time in three years we’ve been able to hold this event,” Rinaldi said. “We use this venue to promote a sense of community within the orchestra program as a whole throughout the district, so I’m so happy to have been able to bring it back.”
Date Added: 5/20/2022