Young Musicians Break Out in First Recital

The held recitals and drama performances at Fair Haven's Church of the Nativity on Saturday. Musicians from ages 5 to 17 performed two instrumental or vocal pieces each. Their skill levels ranged from absolute beginners cautiously picking their way through "Old MacDonald", to experienced musicians rocking out.

"Today we had five and six-year-old students at their first recitals playing very simple pieces along with older, more experienced students playing complex Chopin preludes, wailing rock guitar solos and even original jazz compositions at the piano," said Jim Josselyn, the Academy's director. "That's terrific for the younger children to see, and to understand that in time, if they continue they can do it at that level too."

Besides being a special day for the music students and their proud parents, Josselyn's own two children also both performed for their first time in a musical recital and drama performance together.

"That's really helped me come full circle with this, seeing it as the studio director for these last ten years and now seeing it as a parent," Josselyn said.

The school's drama program teaches students about stage performance, public speaking, how to work well with others towards a common goal and how to use their imagination. Yesterday, they did pieces from Hans Christian Anderson, Anne of the Green Gables, Little Women, a funny take on Little Red Riding Hood and more.

"It's always magic to see the transformation from the last rehearsal to the show," Josselyn said of the drama students."The kids all looked directly at the audience, spoke loud and clear, took their time and knew their lines. Those skills translate into many situations in life."

The Academy of Music and Drama will be providing special opportunities for students to perform over the summer at outdoor family events in Fair Haven. Stay tuned to Patch for updates on the young musicians.

Check out photos of the beginners at the day's first recital in the PHOTO GALLERY above.