Public Schools of the Tarrytowns hosts Side By Side Musical Experience

John Paulding (JP) kindergarten students headed to the Sleepy Hollow Middle School (SHMS) band class for a lesson in performing arts. In a collaboration between the kindergarten teachers and the middle school - high school music department students took part in the first ever Kindergarten and Band Side by Side Experience.

Over last summer break the kindergarten teachers at JP worked hard to create enriching experiences that will occur throughout the year. They wanted to expose their students to more performing arts activities and felt that the middle and high school was the best place for that.

“We figured why not head over to the high school and middle school to learn more about all of the amazing things they do with their students,” said Rebecca Kuban, a Kindergarten teacher at John Paulding School. “We reached out to Micah Sprague and Austin Day, music and band teachers at the high school and middle schools, who were so awesome to work with and planned a fun lesson for our students.”

The teachers formed a plan that would be beneficial to their students on multiple levels. The objective of this particular experience was for Kindergarteners to see other students performing in a large group in preparation for their end of year performance. It also introduces them to band instruments and reinforces concepts in their general music class. Most importantly it helps make connections and build community across the schools.

While there the kindergartners learned about the different instruments and the sounds they make. They learned about the role the conductor plays and how their movements inform the band members how to play the instruments.

“Let’s show them good performance etiquette,” said Austin Day, the Band and Music Technology teacher at Sleepy Hollow Middle-High School.

The middle school band members led by example, showing the kindergarteners how they sit strong and comfortable while paying close attention to the conductor. Mr. Day explained to the kindergartners different gestures he uses in order to communicate with the band members. These gestures tell the students various musical elements such as speed and tempo.

“The main goal was to draw a connection between the performers and how the actions of the conductor affect the actions of the band,” said Mr. Day. “It’s how we communicate without using words.”

The kindergarten students agreed unanimously that they would love to join a band when they get the chance. They learned that performing can be fun and exciting and that you can communicate without using words.

“It was such an amazing opportunity for our kindergarten students to see fellow horsemen playing instruments and reading music,” Ms. Kuban said happily. “I have a very musical class this year, so now all of them want to learn to play a musical instrument. Our middle schoolers inspired them, which I think is amazing.”

The middle school band students said they had a positive experience and enjoyed how engaged the Kindergartners were in the activities. “They liked the opportunity to model positive behaviors for them,” said Micah Sprague, Sleepy Hollow Middle-High School Band Director. “They also learned that playing at softer dynamics was important for students that young and had some good ideas about choice of repertoire if we do this again.”

The music department hopes to expand this experience across the district by offering this opportunity to other grades in the future.