Finley Musicians Perform in
Greenwich Village
A J. Taylor Finley Middle School percussion ensemble consisting of ten talented seventh graders, recently performed in Greenwich Village during "Percussion People," a monthly show at the famed Players Theatre.
Finley student-musicians William Fallon (vibraphone), Thomas Edgar-McNerney (xylophone), Samantha Sgrizzi (bongos, gong, sus cymbal, shaker, temple blocks), Nancy Glascock (xylophone), Chris Bynum (bass drum, djembe), Gerard Federici (bells, wind chimes), Mathew O'Brien (keyboards) Cailan Polishook (marimba) Levi Leach (bass marimba) and Hailey Gallagher (snare drum, shaker, log drum, triangle, finger cymbals) were accompanied by Finley music teacher Frank Battista and Woodhull School music teacher Chelsea Jablon.
"Percussion People" is a quartet of professional percussionists from New York City that play various musical styles on percussion instruments from around the world. The owner of the theatre and creator of the show, Michael Sgouros gave the Finley contingent an informative tour of the historic club Cafe Wha?
"The show 'Percussion People' 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 within several pieces that include audience participation. The show caters to young children but is entertaining at any age."
"The performances were inspiring," Ms. Glascock said. "The professional percussionists were really encouraging." Mr. Bynum agreed, stating that "it was a privilege to go and I would totally go again."
Sitting and listening to good music while watching the "Percussion People" musicians ply their craft was educational for the Finley seventh graders. "I really enjoyed the pieces played," Mr. Fallon said. "The themes were really catchy."
The Finley percussion ensemble performed a medley from the video game series Zelda. "I've always been a huge fan of Koji Kondo's video game music," Mr. Battista said. "The talent level of these students allowed me to write a challenging, but fun arrangement. It includes music from the original Zelda game and two pieces from the game, Ocarina of Time."
It took Mr. Battista about a month to write the arrangement, which might eventually be published. It wanders through three different key signatures and three different time signatures before it ends with a recap of the first theme.
"This ensemble worked really hard over the past few months," Mr. Battista said. "The group agreed to rehearse before school as long as Dunkin Donut munchkins were on hand."
After the performance, the Finley ensemble celebrated with a meal at Olive Tree before heading to the Penn Station to catch a train bound for home.
Parents Francine Federici, Julia Gallagher and Leslie Glascock came along on the trip, providing assistance for the traveling party.