One of the less well known aspects of our program at 276 is our performing arts.  This year, we have an exceptionally rich music program.  Stephanie Mazarakis continues to teach band to students in grades 4-8.  She also has developed an outstanding general music history class for our 8th graders.  They track the development of popular music from the blues through to hip-hop. Stephanie leads the 8th graders through an exploration of Elvis, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the musicians that influenced them and who they in turn influence.  Each year, this program is enhanced through a partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center.  Four times a year, we have jazz musicians perform for the 8th graders and talk about the development and importance of jazz in the American story. Here is a clip from our first performance last Thursday.  (Students are clapping in the background.)

Krista Bruschini, our new music teacher, is teaching general music to students in kindergarten through third grade. She is also teaching chorus to our students in grades 5-8.  By offering chorus, we are giving students in grades 5-8 the option of learning an instrument or performing vocal music.

I am so proud of our rich music program this year. Learning about music and the skills of working collaboratively on a performance  allow students to tap into different aspects of themselves.