Zone 6 NEWS!

Here is the most recent news from Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties...

Terry Saulsgiver

At AuSable Valley Middle-High School, there is a band program with string players.  As a string player Terry Saulsgiver can never say no to a student who shows an interest in a string instrument.  At this time, she has 2 high school violinists who play in both the Wind Ensemble (oboe parts), and the Jazz Ensemble (one student transposes and plays trumpet 4, the other plays a trombone part) and 6 bass players as well.  Students performed NYSSMA solos and small ensemble music this year.  There are also a few violin and bass players at the middle and elementary levels. For the future, Terry hopes to continue expanding the string opportunities in her district.

Casey Ann Dean

In Peru Central, the String students have had a very busy school year. Casey Ann Dean is finishing her fifth year as the District String Teacher. In October, the Middle School Mezzo Orchestra performed at the NYSMSA Conference at Saratoga Schools. In late Fall, the Mezzo Orchestra performed at a Mall Gig at Champlain Centre Mall. The students performed festive tunes and pieces from their repertoire. The money donated by the public was given to Peru Music Boosters. Peru Music Boosters assists the performing groups to purchase new instruments, bring in visiting artists, and go on field trips. In early February, Peru hosted the All County Music Festival for Clinton County. The string orchestra had Jeris French of Crown Point as the guest conductor. A few violins, one viola and one cello were selected from Peru to participate in the string orchestra. During March, Music in our schools month, selected grades 4-6 string students were preparing for the “Day for Strings” festival at the University of Vermont. Students received music ahead of time to prepare and at the end of month went over to UVM. The day consisted of sectionals, large group rehearsals, and a Jazz improvisation session. The Middle School Mezzo Orchestra and High School Avanti Orchestra both took a field trip in May to visit the Lake Placid Center for the Arts for the performance of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. The students were pleased to hear a professional orchestra play some of the music they have played themselves. Also, several students participated in the NYSSMA Festival hosted at Beekmantown. Several duets and solos were performed and all scored Excellent or Outstanding!

Kate Bulluck

Plattsburgh City Schools also has a string program servicing grades 4 -12. Kate Bulluck is in her second year as the District String Teacher. The High School Orchestra worked on chamber pieces to play at their District Art Show opening. A quartet provided the arrival music for the Clinton County School Boards Association Senior Recognition night. At their final concert, the High School String Orchestra performed 2008: A Space Odyssey theme, including the first movement of Mozart's Jupiter Symphony, "Across the Stars", Love Theme from Star Wars: Episode II, and they invited the Select Vocal Ensemble to join them in the theme music from the video game, “Halo.” The orchestra members created vocal and percussion parts, lighting effects, and sound effects with two electric violins and an electric cello.

Jeris French

“Jeris French asks will they come back?” In such a small school, Crown Point Central School (300 students K – 12), it’s crucial to get those junior high string players back for another year. After seventh grade in orchestra, they’re done with music, as far as the State Education Department is concerned .Every June she ponders who will return the next year.

How the students feel about orchestra has everything to do with getting them back as eighth graders: Some comments she has heard are, “I like the people I’m with”; “We have fun.”; “It sounds good.”; “I like the music.” Other subtle but powerful elements draw kids back. “It was hard but we did it!” and “Orchestra is special.” Jeris says, “The sensation of overcoming a challenge, but not being overwhelmed, is important to students, and myself as well. And right from the beginning, string kids get the sensation that they are part of an elite group. All fourth graders know I only take the ‘cream of the crop’ as new students. Parents know it too, and it gives an air of distinction to the program.” So far, it’s working. They keep coming back- for more!

Submitted by Casey Ann Dean - Zone 6 Representative

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