Reed Intermediate Musicians Wrap Up The School Year

By Sarah Scinto

The fifth and sixth grade musicians of Reed Intermediate School entertained their peers with an end-of-year concert featuring both instrumental and choral ensembles on Wednesday, June 20.

The school’s ensembles of jazz band, chamber orchestra, and chorus have met before school and during extra periods throughout the academic year to prepare for their concerts in April and this end of year concert, according to Choral Director Michelle Tennenbaum.

Ms Tennenbaum said the concert is a great way to wrap up a year of hard work by the students.

“They deserve something very special at the end of the year, and this is our way of honoring not only the musicians but all of the students in the school,” said Ms Tennenbaum.

Reed students certainly enjoyed the performance, not hesitating to clap and sing along when the chorus of 150 singers overtook the stage to perform “I’m a Believer,” and clapped in time as the orchestra performed the performed the theme from Looney Tunes.

“It was great to see that the students were very mature and able to demonstrate their concert etiquette,” Ms Tennenbaum said. “We’re very fortunate that the students are excellent listeners and learners.”

Students from the school’s global music class were invited to join the chorus for the final song, nearly filling the stage.

“The goal is to get as many students involved as possible,” Ms Tennenbaum said. She and her colleagues ended the performance by inviting members of the audience to take part in the musical opportunities Reed Intermediate has to offer.

“We have music for everyone,” said Principal Sharon Epple as the concert came to a close. “These performers were fantastic today.”

The singers and musicians benefited from the performance as well.

“[The concert] gives them an opportunity to stand in front of their school and see the joy of singing in front of everyone,” Ms Tennenbaum said.

An audio recording from the event is available with this story at www.newtownbee.com.