New Providence Elementary Schools Unite for Winter Concert

Nearly 170 fifth and sixth grade students from Allen W. Roberts and Salt Brook Elementary Schools came together last night at New Providence High School for the annual Allen W. Roberts Elementary School Winter Concert.   

The evening began with performances by the fifth and sixth grade orchestra, led by conductor Jose Rodriguez, who performed a rendition of a Mozart symphony and the seasonally appropriate "Where are you Christmas?" featuring Allyson Hern on vocals.

The fifth and sixth grade concert band followed, led by conductor Celeste Zazzali, who performed a unique rendition of "Carol of the Bells" among two other songs. 
   
A section of the band, called the AWR Jazz Band, broke off afterwards to perform a piece written by music legend Duke Ellington. The song featured solos performed by a half dozen students on guitar and saxophones who were met with rounds of applause from the packed audience.
   
Finally, the fifth and sixth grade chorus took the stage, led by conductor Kenneth Hess and Accompanist Susan Kirkland. The chorus closed the show festively with "You're a Mean One, Mister Grinch," during which two students took solos and Hess substituted his conductor's baton for a pair of Grinch gloves, which could be seen waving menacingly to the beat from across the audience.
   
"The events are organized together by the music teachers" said Kenneth Hess, the Department Head of Fine Performing and Practical Arts at AWR.

Hess said a few fifth and sixth grade subject teachers at AWR helped organize the event, and were in attendance for the concert.

"There were a lot of kids this year, and they were very energetic," said Hess, who is also the vocal music teacher, general music class instructor, and coordinator of the school concerts at AWR "Aren't they wonderful?"

AWR Assistant Principal Justin Fiory said students from both schools will be participating in a handful of concerts throughout the academic year, which are a tradition and have been conducted since the AWR school was erected.

"We have a holiday show and a spring show for the fifth and sixth graders," he said. "We also have two fourth grade beginners' concerts - one in October and one in the spring - to show parents how the students have improved."