On March 28, Mineola High School student musicians from the eighth grade Orchestra class brought their violins, cellos and double basses to Jackson Avenue School for a special collaboration with the fourth grade Orchestra club.

During the visit, the high school visitors were paired with younger players for a rehearsal session where they acted as mentors, helping the novice players with their form and tone as they prepared for a performance.

Finally, it was showtime and the musical collaboration came to life in the school gym in front of an enthusiastic audience of third graders, teachers and administrators.

The show began with the two orchestras joining together as one and performing the song “Impulse” by American composer Brian Balmages. Next, third grader Grant Koo took center stage to perform his level 3 NYSSMA piece “Gavotte.” Finally, the eighth grade orchestra closed the show with the song “The Carnival of The Animals: Royal March of The Lion” by Camille Saint-Saens.

Sarah Ramsingh, a music teacher at Jackson Avenue and Mineola High School, is thrilled with the opportunity to bring her learners together for this collaboration. “I am in the unique position where I can actually witness the evolution of my students, from first picking up their instrument in third grade, to becoming focused and enthusiastic teens with exceptional talent, poise and confidence,” said Ms. Ramsingh. “Combing the forces of my younger, impressionable learners with those who can help guide and share experience with them is truly a pleasure, and the music they make together is sensational!”

Date Added: 4/3/2025