Finley Percussionists Trek to Greenwich Village
The music program at J. Taylor Finley Middle School has a reputation for excellence and for good reason; the teachers and student-musicians work hard at their craft and look for opportunities to showcase their talents.
A group of nine eighth grade Finley percussionists recently trekked to The Players Theatre on MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village with teacher Frank Battista for a special performance in the unique setting.
"We performed during a monthly show that runs there called 'Percussion People,'" said Mr. Battista, who thanked music faculty colleague Chris Scarnato for his help on the trip. "Percussion People" consists of a trio of professional percussionists from New York City that play various musical styles on percussion instruments from around the world. Michael Sgouros, the owner of the theatre and creator of the show, has his exceptionally skilled 14 year old daughter Emily Sgouros play in the show, as well.
"The show is entertaining and very informative," Mr. Battista said. "Before each show, children are given materials to create their own percussion instruments. During the show these instruments are used during several pieces that include audience participation. The show caters to young children but is entertaining at any age."
Finley percussionists Cooper Makohon (bass), Ally Wohl (pans, vibraslap, ribbon crasher, gong, iPad), Jackson Spector (marimba), Jack Blakley (marimba), Justin Meyer (drum set), Holly Grabowski (xylophone), Taylor Moreno (vibraphone), Allison Berejka (vibraphone) and Ari Wohl (glockenspiel) made the trip into Manhattan and performed.
The Finley percussion ensemble performed a piece called "Foreign Objects" by John Bergamo. The piece is very challenging because it is based on the whole tone scale which is rarely used in middle school musical literature. It changes meters frequently which can create timing issues if not played properly. The piece is written for marimba, vibraphone, bells, xylophone, drum set, auxiliary percussion and electric bass.
"We also added some cool iPad sound effects to spice up the extraterrestrial flavor," Mr. Battista said. "This group did an amazing job with this very difficult piece. They worked on their music before school, after school and during lunch period for about a month and a half."
"I would like to commend Mr. Battista for preparing our students for this wonderful, professional performance experience," said Joan R. Fretz, district director of fine and performing arts. "I heard their piece performed at the chamber ensemble concert and they truly were professionals! It's so important for students to be able to use what they learn in school in relevant ways. We are so fortunate to have teachers like Mr. Battista who go out of their way to provide such opportunities for our students. Congratulations to the whole ensemble!"
While most middle school ensembles wouldn't even consider this piece, the Finley percussionists "totally rocked it," Mr. Battista said. After the performance, the Finley ensemble stopped to enjoy some New York City pizza before heading to Penn Station for the trip back to Huntington.