Center Moriches Summer Band Performs Exciting Concert

After four weeks of rehearsals and collaboration, approximately 60 Center Moriches middle and high school student-musicians took the stage to celebrate another successful season of the Center Moriches Summer Band Program with a culminating concert.

Offered by the Center Moriches Music Booster Club, the Summer Band Program welcomes any student entering grades 6-12 who participates in the Center Moriches UFSD band program during the school year. Now in its fourth year, the summer program provides young musicians with the opportunity to continue developing their musical skills throughout the summer while strengthening friendships and building confidence in a supportive environment.

Meeting twice a week, the ensemble prepared a diverse concert program featuring eight selections spanning both middle and high school levels of musical difficulty. Beyond refining their performance skills, students also experienced mentorship, one of the program's greatest strengths. Upperclassmen worked alongside younger musicians, offering guidance and encouragement as they tackled challenging music. Through this collaborative environment, younger students gained confidence, learned to ask questions, embraced musical risks, and discovered what they could accomplish through perseverance and teamwork.

“Summer band has become one of my favorite traditions because it gives students the opportunity to grow as musicians while building meaningful connections across grade levels,” said Sara Greene, director of summer band. “Watching our older students mentor younger performers—as well as seeing everyone come together to create something special in just a few weeks—is incredibly rewarding. The final concert is a wonderful celebration of all the hard work, dedication, and joy that goes into making music together.”

The summer program is also home to one of the district’s most beloved traditions: “Todd the Spit Plant.” At each rehearsal, brass players humorously “water” the plant by emptying their spit valves into its soil. While unconventional, Todd has become a lighthearted symbol of the camaraderie and fun that make Summer Band a memorable experience for students.

“The summer band program is a wonderful example of learning extending beyond the traditional school year,” said Dr. Ricardo Soto, Superintendent of Schools. “Students not only continue to strengthen their musical abilities, but they also develop leadership, collaboration, and confidence through the relationships they build with one another.”

For more information on the Center Moriches Union Free School District, visit the district’s website at cmschools.org. Happenings in the district can also be found on the district’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cmschools.org/. #CMSchools