Middle School Students Enjoy a Day of Music and Rollercoasters

Somers Middle School band, chorus, and orchestra students had a great time at the Music in the Parks festival at Six Flags New England.

“It’s something I’ll always remember,” said Maisie Pelhank.

Students from sixth, seventh, and eighth grades performed a selection of songs at a local school for a panel of judges. Students performed not to compete, but to receive feedback from the judges that will help them improve. Participants received their feedback approximately a week after the trip.

“Every band performed two pieces,” said Tara Goodwin. “We played Finale and Operation Super Sleuth.”

Once the performances were complete, the students were treated to a visit to Six Flags for a few hours. Even in the rainy weather, the students had a great time. The inclement weather led to shorter-than-usual lines for the rides, allowing many of the students to ride multiple times, sometimes without having to leave their seats.

“I got to ride the same ride three times,” said Emily Scocozza. “I didn’t even have to change seats. There was no one waiting, so they just let us keep going.”

“It’s definitely going to be something that we’ll remember,” said Gianna Villareale. “I think sometimes people don’t want to do things in the rain, but it was really fun in the rain, and we made even more memories.”

40 volunteer chaperones braved the weather to accompany the students, helping to make the day possible. Chaperones were on hand to stay with students while they waited on buses for their turn to perform and while enjoying the rides at Six Flags.

“Our students work and practice hard, and these festivals are great for them because they receive constructive feedback from judges who are university music professors,” said band teacher Rachel Malara. Malara organized the trip with her colleagues, orchestra teacher Miles Gilber and chorus teacher Marie Williams. “Everyone had a great time and made some unforgettable memories.”