Parsons Memorial School Holds Spring Concert

You've read our story about the Purchase School spring concert on Tuesday night. On Thursday night, it was Parsons Memorial School's turn to perform their spring concert in front of their families, friends and the community at Harrison High School's Performing Arts Center.

A total of 115 instrumentalists participated in the event; which consisted of third, fourth and fifth graders. Unlike the Purchase School concert, there were small solos and ensembles plus a group of third grade students playing the recorder instrument.

The concert also showcased the fourth and fifth grade orchestra and band.  A total of 50 students are in the orchestra.

Jim Pyle, a vocal and general music teacher at Parsons School, who also teaches the third grade recorder students; said that the concert marks a milestone for the fourth and fifth graders.

"This a really big deal and the first major concert for the fourth graders. It is the first time we've been at the H.P.A.C. with the fifth graders," said Pyle. "The fourth graders are just beginners and are learning how to play their instruments and they've been working hard all year and it's really a thrill for them."

Pyle also said that approximately 85 percent of the fourth and fifth graders at Parsons are in one of these musical organizations. The students have lessons in school and have to practice at home. There's a lot of work and discipline involved with playing an instrument.

Music teacher Alanna Mackey, who also directed the students from the Purchase School concert Tuesday night, said that the Parsons School students performed not just in the large group performance but also in smaller groups for other events around the school district.

"They played at the celebration of our Superintendent Louis Wool, when he was nominated as superintendent of the year," Mackey said. "They're used to finishing off the year with one big performance with everybody." 

Parsons fourth grade violinist Hiro Tomita, said he was happy to perform with both the fourth and fifth grade orchestra.

"It's great because you get to play with other musicians," said Tomita.

Harrison Patch would like to congratulate the students at both Purchase and Parsons School for a successful musical season. We wish them the best for next year.