Jazz Band Swings Into BOCES Students’ Day

Hands were clapping, toes were tapping and smiles could be seen everywhere when the Yorktown High School Jazz Band performed for students at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES as part of its annual “Tour De Yorktown.”

The tour is an annual event for the jazz band and, in addition to the BOCES visit, includes stops at Crompond and Mohansic Elementary Schools, Mildred E. Strang Middle School and the Country House retirement home.

Students from BOCES’ Pines Bridge School, as well as a few lucky classes from The Walden School, were treated to such lively jazz standards as “Little Brown Jug” and “Sing, Sing, Sing” performed by the 27-piece ensemble.

“If you feel like moving to the music, please get up and dance,” encouraged band director Emily Kluga, and many young students were more than happy to oblige, dancing in groups or swinging to the beat with a teacher or aid. An impromptu conga line grew longer as more and more students enthusiastically joined in.

“Our annual visit to the Pines Bridge School is always a highlight for us,” said Ms. Kluga. “Watching the students react and move to the music, our band members witness the joy that music brings to people.”

“Playing for the students here at BOCES reminds us why we all became musicians," co-director Jeffrey Whalen. "We are able to connect through music in a way that is beyond words.”

Sophomore vocalist Gabby Landicino, who sang an impressive version of “Time After Time,” was clearly moved by the students’ joyful response to the music. “This experience was life-changing for me; it is a privilege to bring this music to these kids,” she said, adding, “They understand it.”

The Pines Bridge School serves students ages five to 21 with multiple disabilities, while the Walden School serves students with a variety of social, emotional and learning needs.

Pines Bridge principal Bob Kelderhouse moved about the room, encouraging his students to join in the fun.

“The dynamic performance by the very talented Yorktown High School Jazz Band was inspirational and a great time was had by students and staff alike,” he said. “There's no substitute for events like this.”