And the Band Plays on at Hawes

One month ago, an elementary school's fifth grade spring concert would have been considered a forlorn occasion. Budgetary constraints threatened Ridgewood schools' elementary instrumental program, and the concert could have been its last.

But yesterday at Hawes Elementary—several weeks after the program avoided the chopping block—fifth graders dazzled the familiar audience and Ridgewood schools' tradition of musical excellence continued.

"Ridgewood is known for its great music community," Principal Dr. Paul Semendinger said. "I understand in tough budget years you have to look at everything… but I'm glad we were able to keep the instrumental music program."

Eager young musicians rosined up their violin bows, checked and double-checked sheet music, and, of course, waved to younger students, friends, family and teachers watching from the auditorium floor Thursday morning.

In their first of two concerts, the students wove through old standards and works from the masters.

The orchestral band, string group and coral singers went through staples like "London Bridge," The William Tell Overture," and the French "Can Can," but also were challenged by pieces from Beethoven, Haydn, and Rossini.

Teachers Deborah Fink (instrumental) and Suzanne Kellow (vocal) led the hour-long concert and hit on various genres and cultures.

All of the upperclassmen participated in the concert that "is an opportunity for all the fifth graders to show how well they've progressed during the year," Fink said.

With first through fourth graders looking on, the Hawes community concert allows for younger students see what one day they'll accomplish, Semendinger said.

"It builds a great program and creates interest for the younger students. Some siblings have heard their brothers or sisters practicing all year, but when they play with the full band, it sounds so different," he said.

Kellow said the value of the elementary music program allows exposure at a early age.

"Students are drawn to music and the arts at a young age," she said. "The earlier they start, the earlier they will recognize that they'll want to pursue a musical career."

She added that the excellent middle and high school programs Ridgewood possesses originate in the elementary level.

Talking about the countless benefits to music education, Semendinger said, "Numerous studies have shown that students involved in music tend to be better students."

Semendinger noted the math—eighth notes, sixteenth notes, etc.—language (reading music being one of the handful of universal languages), teambuilding, and perseverance lessons that music provides.

"Music is a big part of our lives in general and should be part of our schools," he said. "These students are understanding and appreciating how hard music is, and the hard work that is needed to persevere."

Closing the a.m. performance—and concluding the coral trip around the world from Africa to France back to America—was the nearly 80 students rendition of "We Go Together" from the musical Grease.

Kellow said she always picks a show tunes number to conclude as "the kids identify with the great melody and text."

The kids handjived and doo-woped their way to another remarkable musical performance.