Chamber Music Concert Helps Students Develop Independence

Right from the beginning, Music Director Sara Marino explained to a room packed with eager parents and restless children, that Tuesday night’s concert was special. Special, because this was the time to watch the students of Fair Haven’s Knollwood Elementary School play the instruments they each individually learned on their own, and also to mix it up with their fellow musical sections.

The aspiring musicians, ranging from 4^th to 8^th grade, play multiple times a year with groups composed of a variety of different setups and genres. During the spring and winter concerts students play with big bands like the orchestra and jazz band. Earlier in the year the chamber concert held its first concert with just a jazz ensemble, but last night’s event mixed the sweet sounds of jazz and the fast and flowing melodies of classical music.

“They play certain styles of music that really gives students a chance to increase their ensemble skills in a small ensemble,” said Marino. “A lot of musical independence goes into playing because they have to play their own part and most of these pieces are one person on a part and its a really fun time to be with your section too."

The show opened with 7^th grader Kyle Sach playing “I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly on the piano. Flowing and graceful, his performance set the tone for the rest of the night. An assortment of instruments played throughout including: piano, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, violin, bass, guitar and the flute.

 “I was really happy with my performance, it was my best performance all year," said fourth grader Jennifer Hoffman who started playing clarinet this year. Her mother, Pettina Hoffman, added, “I am very proud of her, I love coming to watch her.”

Parents and fellow peers also took notice to six grader Avery Puryear, who one parent noted will be “one of those people you knew before they were famous.” A precocious young girl, who has the style and attitude of “Whip My Hair” hitmaker Willow Smith, played Justin Bieber and Katie Perry on Piano and a funky drum beat on the group number “Bag’s Groove.” Playing since the age of two, Puryear seems like she is destined to be the next big thing, even giving a rockstar answer when asked about her performances “I kinda figured most people would like the songs I chose. Give the crowd a little show.”

The show couldn’t have gone on without the guidance and nurturing from Marino, who many students and parents attribute as a mentor and inspiration.

“I think the concert was great. Miss Marino does a great job. She works all year with a million different kids and she puts this all together,” said parent Nancy Freeman whose fourth-grade son Andrew plays sax.

"I’ve had Miss Marino since 4^th grade and she is really cool and makes it really fun,” said eight-grader Caitlin Chasmar who played a flute number. “She is in charge of lessons, conducting the big band, jazz band and jazz combo. She is a big part in the music of Knollwood.”

It’s an even exchange for Miss Marino couldn’t more proud of her students and had a cute way of proving it. “I was really pleased with everyone’s performances and felt like everyone was really prepared. I know we had a little chart outside the room and were giving everybody stickers as the pieces were getting ready, and it was a good feeling knowing everybody had their sticker and everybody was ready.”