National Hug A Musician Day!
Posted on November 13th, 2020 by acsrochesterThis year has brought about a unique set of challenges for educators, including how to safely continue our music education program. We know singing and playing instruments is incredibly important for students at AC, and instead of saying “no” to music education, as many other schools have done this year, we’ve worked hard to ensure we can continue to make music, while keeping all of our students safe.
In the midst of this pandemic, there is nothing quite like hearing voices singing. I’ll never forget hearing the 4th graders, who are in chorus for the first time, singing during their first rehearsal in the CPC. It was magical. They overcame all of the obstacles we threw at them and continued to make music. That is what it’s all about. — Rachael Sanguinetti, Music Teacher
- Nursery creative movement
- Kindergarten reading rhythms for “Little Miss Muffet”
- 1st Grade creative movement with scarves
- 4th Grade collaborative stick game to practice rhythms
Posted in: Art, Highlights, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School
“That Band Was Sick!” Jazz Clinic Hones Student Musicianship
Posted on April 12th, 2019 by Allendale Columbia SchoolBy Gabe Costanzo, Music Teacher
Blake Pattengale contacted me around the beginning of March to see if we had any interest in a jazz clinic at AC. I am always looking for ways to bring exceptional performers to school to show students the kinds of experiences they could be having if they continue to develop their musicianship, so this sounded like a great opportunity.
Blake and his band, the Gray Quartet, did not disappoint. They taught our students about jazz by playing a plethora of tunes, starting with today’s pop hits and working back in time to make connections with the jazz tunes that influenced pop music. (more…)
Posted in: Authentic Learning, Eighth Grade, Eleventh Grade, Highlights, Middle School, Ninth Grade, Seventh Grade, Sixth Grade, Tenth Grade, Twelfth Grade, Upper School
Side-by-Side Concert Builds Connections Through Music
Posted on March 21st, 2019 by Allendale Columbia SchoolWith the importance of connections being central to the mission of Allendale Columbia School, we treasure opportunities for collaboration across members of our community. On Friday, March 1st, students, teachers, staff, administrators, and family members came together in a special after-school event to build connections through music-making as a band. This side-by-side concert was coordinated by instrumental music teachers Lynn Grossman and Gabe Costanzo.
What is a side-by-side concert?
Side-by-side concerts are opportunities for musicians of various ages and ability levels to get together to perform together as a group and learn from each other while celebrating learning and growth in a fun, low-stress environment. In this event, parents, older siblings, grandparents, extended family, and family friends were all invited. School faculty, staff, and administrators were also welcome to join in the fun. (more…)
Posted in: Authentic Learning, Eighth Grade, Fifth Grade, Fourth Grade, Highlights, Lower School, Middle School, Seventh Grade, Sixth Grade
Register for Spring 2019 Vocal and Instrumental Solo Festivals
Posted on February 15th, 2019 by Allendale Columbia SchoolStudents who sing or play a woodwind, brass, percussion, or string instrument will have an opportunity to perform in one of the upcoming NYSSMA solo festivals. The dates and locations are as follows:
- April 26-27 at Willink Middle School in Webster
Registration form due March 1 - May 31-June 1 at Gates-Chili High School (link to form)
Registration form due April 1
We Need YOU! March 1st Side-by-side Concert
Posted on February 8th, 2019 by Allendale Columbia SchoolDust off those instruments and join our Beginner Band for
AC’s first-ever Side-by-Side Concert!
Friday, March 1st
Allendale Columbia School
Side-by-side concerts are opportunities for musicians of various ages and ability levels to get together and learn from each other, build strong connections through music, and celebrate learning and growth in a fun, low-stress environment. Parents, older siblings, grandparents, extended family and family friends are all invited. School faculty, staff, and administrators are also welcome to join in the fun.
Ukuleles Build Connection, Creativity, and Resilience
Posted on February 1st, 2019 by Allendale Columbia SchoolBy Rachael Sanguinetti
Happy National Ukulele Day!
If you’ve visited the AC chorus room in the last two years, you probably noticed a huge addition to the decor of the room: 22 concert-size ukuleles on the back walls. They are a point of conversation on many tours of the music building and have become an important part of the AC Middle School music offerings.
We use these instruments in 6th Grade Foundational Music and in Ukulele Electives offered each semester. They are also used in Lower School General Music classes and for Upper School clubs. Over the past few years they have been used by many students across divisions for composition, performance, and group music making. (more…)
Posted in: Authentic Learning, Highlights, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School
Young Soloists Turn Butterflies Into Bravado
Posted on January 24th, 2019 by Allendale Columbia SchoolYes, there were a few butterflies in the stomachs of Lower School students who had signed up for the annual Solo Performance Night held January 18th. But once they got started, the young students turned those butterflies into brave and beautiful notes that floated to the receptive ears of a welcoming audience. (more…)
Posted in: Authentic Learning, Fifth Grade, First Grade, Fourth Grade, Highlights, Kindergarten, Lower School, Second Grade, Third Grade
Lower School Solo Performance Night on Jan. 18th
Posted on January 11th, 2019 by Allendale Columbia SchoolLower School families, don’t forget! Solo Performance Night for students in grades K through 5 is Friday, January 18th, starting at 7:00 p.m. With 28 performers and musical selections ranging from Johnny Cash to Antonio Vivaldi, you don’t want to miss it! Whether you are performing or in the audience to support your friends, all are invited to an ice cream social at the conclusion of the event. Performances will take place in the CPC, with ice cream in the Dining Commons.