John Jay HS Orchestra Earns Impressive Laurels At Music in the Parks

CROSS RIVER, NY — The John Jay High School Orchestra came home from Music in the Parks at Six Flags Adventure Park with a couple of coveted souvenirs.

The orchestra, conducted by Elissa Leventhal, earned a top prize "Superior rating" for their performance and the Esprit de Corps Award for their grace.

The regional competition included juried performances at Middletown High School South in New Jersey and, of course, a day ending with the rides at Six Flags Adventure Park.

"I am so incredibly proud of the John Jay High School Orchestra on their accomplishment at Music in the Parks," Leventhal said. "My students have worked so hard on their music, and I am thrilled that they have reached this goal. Not only did they earn the highest rating in their ensemble category, but they also won the spirit award for their conduct throughout the festival. Congratulations to all orchestra members — you’ve made our community so proud!"

While the top prize-winning performance says a lot about the students' talent commitment and the leadership of their conductor, the spirit award is a testament to how the young men and women conduct themselves.

Music in the Parks describes the Esprit de Corps award as:

"Presented to students from a school who demonstrated proper social behavior as well as musical behavior/encouragement. They possess the qualities of highly successful people who are sensitive to the feelings of others and applaud accomplishments no matter if by one’s own school or another school. Evaluation has taken place from arrival at the festival site to the awards presentation."