​John Jay Orchestras Learn From Caramoor String Quartet-In-Residence

LEWISBORO, NY — Orchestra students from John Jay Middle School and John Jay High School had a brush with greatness and the experience left everyone better for the encounter.

When John Jay Middle School 8th Grade Orchestra students sat just inches away from the Ivalas Quartet, it was easy for them to see how the four musicians used eye contact and body language to communicate with each other, and the joy the musicians experienced through the performance.

Connecting student musicians with professional musicians is a time-honored tradition of John Jay’s music program. This latest opportunity was organized by Elissa Leventhal, the conductor of John Jay Middle School and High School Orchestras, in collaboration with Caramoor’s String Quartet-in-Residence program.

The Ivalas Quartet’s visit shared more than techniques, according to organizers — it was also about diversity. The quartet includes musicians from a range of backgrounds and cultures, much like the compositions the quartet chooses.

Before they began playing, cellist Pedro Sánchez told the students the group would be performing two pieces composed by African Americans—one by George Walker, the first Black person to win a Pulitzer for composition, and one by Jessie Montgomery.

"Look them up," Sánchez said to the students. "They will start you on a journey discovering new composers in classical music."

The visit included time for a Q&A with the Ivalas Quartet. At the high school, the conversation ranged from how to use breath to play more expressively to who the individual musicians were rooting for in the World Cup.

One student asked the Quartet if they argue.

"Yes," said Sánchez, saying that arguing respectfully and listening to each other is part of the rehearsal process. "We are each from a different background and bring a different element into the big picture, creating something beautiful. That’s why diversity is important."

The high school orchestra played a portion of their new piece, "The Legends of Sleepy Hollow," for the visitors.

"You sound awesome," Ivalas Quartet violinist Reuben Kebede told the students. "This is the first time I’ve heard this piece. Keep practicing."