MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL BANDS COME TOGETHER BEAUTIFULLY

By MIKAYLA CHAIT

Once a year, the music departments at Washingtonville Central School District come together to showcase their music. Middle school band students travel to the high school to discover more about what opportunities they can take advantage of as an instrument player in high school. While learning about the different bands they can be a part of in high school, the middle schoolers listen to the songs each high school band has been preparing. From a high schooler’s perspective, they are able to see how much they have grown as an artist from sixth grade to present day as they listen to middle schoolers play their selected pieces.

MIKAYLA CHAIT FOR WIZARD WEEKLY

Each band is given the opportunity to perform in front of their peers with a piece that they have been studying for weeks. Before each piece, the band teacher gives a brief description of what the band has been working on and how that will help them grow over the course of their musical careers. High school band teachers, Mr. Briggs and Mr. Contzius, inform the students how flexible they can be when it comes to fitting band into their high school schedule. Middle schooler Caeli Lascar said, “It was overwhelming, but a lot of fun.” Although there is a great deal of information to take in, Band Day helps further middle schoolers’ interest in the music department.

Band Day is a learning experience for everyone who attends. When asked if Band Day seems beneficial to the students, Mrs. Skopin said, “Yes. I think it is. I think it helps them see the progression from sixth grade.” Since all of the Washingtonville band teachers are in one room, high school students are able to see the teachers that inspired them to continue music in high school, like Mrs. Skopin, Mrs. Giorgio, and Mr. Shackleton.  Moreover, middle school students are able to meet the high school teachers that will guide them through high school band. Not only do they get to look back on their time in middle school, WHS students get to meet the students that will fill their shoes once their time in high school ends. Being able to see the musical abilities of those much younger than them inspires the high school students to work harder.  Likewise, watching the high schoolers allows the middle schoolers to look forward to how much their musical talents will expand in the years to come. 

Overall, students on Band Day are able to come together to celebrate their love of music.  Spending a day together appreciating each other’s hard work and learning about the opportunities that come with band, Band Day is truly a unique learning experience. The high school teachers hope to inspire the middle schoolers into furthering their musical education and growing their appreciate for the art.