Greenbrook Intergenerational Band gives an all-ages performance.
By: Melissa Hayes
Some relatives stood nearby, video cameras in hand, while others gathered in chairs set up on the gymnasium floor, patiently awaiting the performance of the first Greenbrook Intergenerational Band to start March 21.
The stage was empty, and glittering decorations in the shape of music notes dressed up the curtain. The faint sound of band members tuning their instruments floated out of the music room.
The students were getting ready for a concert in which many would perform alongside their mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles and other relatives.
Students in the school’s fourth- and fifth-grade bands were asked if they would like to participate in an intergenerational band with a parent or relative who plays an instrument. The result was a band that was 29 members strong.
Fourth-grader Andrew Kain decided to play the trumpet because that is the instrument his dad, John, played.
Mr. Kain said playing in the band is a way to participate in his son’s music education. He also convinced his sister, Julie O’Brien, to pick up her flute and join her nephew’s school band.
"All through school I had a musical family background," Ms. O’Brien said. "This was my opportunity to join my nephew and my brother being on stage."
Felix Suero’s son, Evan, also decided to play the trumpet because of his father. However, Felix had to help his dad remember how to play.
"I haven’t played in 24 years and I only played in seventh- and eighth-grade," Mr. Suero said. "He was excited about me playing and I kind of wanted to pick it up again."
For two cousins, the event became a family affair.
Fifth-graders Stephen Grzelak and Julie Sendner performed with their mothers and with Julie’s father, Ron.
Sisters Jeanne Grzelak and Jane Sendner both play the violin, however, since string instruments are usually used only in orchestras, they used music written for the flute.
"Our father encouraged us to play the violin," Ms. Grzelak said.
Julie’s dad, played the baritone horn during the concert. While not the most common of instruments, he didn’t play it alone. Student Sylvia Demarast also played the baritone horn.
Sylvia’s mother, Helen Beecher, is the head custodian at Greenbrook. Although she doesn’t play an instrument she was there to support the band as an audience member.
Sylvia said she decided to play "just for the fun of it."
"It’s just to be with everyone else to play," she said.
Fifth-grader Matthew Panconi played in the band with his uncle, David Case. Matthew said he decided to play the trumpet because his uncle plays.
"My nephew asked me and I decided to play," Mr. Case said.
In addition to the violins, the brass-heavy band also had some other unique instruments including and electric bass and the bongo drums.
The band performed eight songs under the instruction of music teacher Terry Chesnovitz.
Ms. Chesnovitz said they started off easy with songs such as "Old Mac Bingo" and "Let’s Rock" and gradually worked up to songs on a level that challenged the fifth-graders.
When the band began to play "Limbo Rock," Ms. Chesnovitz encouraged members of the audience to dance along.
Custodians paused from their work to listen to the upbeat tune. In the audience, many parents began swaying back and forth in their chairs while children in the audience danced around in circles, spinning each other around.
Sylvia’s younger brother, John, 10, and sister, Emily, 6, laughed and took turns twirling each other as the band played.
Ms. Chesnovitz was pleased with the performance and said working with the band for this one-time event was a good experience.
"It’s been fun," she said.