The Smithtown High School West Jazz Choir and Concert Choir, under the direction of James Brosnan, the SHSW Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Frank Scheno and the SHSW Concert and Symphonic Orchestras under the direction of Joseph Cotignola, excelled at the recent in the Parks competition festival at Six Flags Great Adventure!
Music in the Parks is an exciting opportunity for students of the music program to participate in a competitive festival and also have a fun day at Six Flags. The first portion of the day consisted of a performance where the ensembles were adjudicated by master musicians in their respective field. The adjudicators recorded audio commentary and completed assessments for each group that will aid in refining the already impressive talents of these ensembles.
Senior Aidan Fuchs, musician of both the Jazz Ensemble and the Symphonic Orchestra said that “Music in the Parks is a wonderful showcase of both our music program and the friendships the program fosters.”
We are proud to report that the Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Choir, Concert Choir and Symphonic Orchestra all received the highest rating of superior in their respective categories and the Concert Orchestra earned a very impressive excellent rating. The Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Orchestra were also awarded the honor of best Overall Ensemble in their categories.
In total, 115 Smithtown West musicians participated in the festival. Senior musician of the Jazz and Concert Choir Noella Sexton said, “Music in the Parks was an incredibly binding experience. As it produced one of the strongest senses of community I have ever experienced. Getting to watch the Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble perform truly pulled on my heart, as well as performing in both choirs. I cannot put into words how joyous I am as I get to call myself a SHSW Musician with pride. Music in the Parks is a truly glorious experience."
The SCSD is very proud of all the students that participated and look forward to providing more opportunities like this in the future.
