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🎼life of a Great Neck North High tri-M musician🙌🏻
My name is Andrew Samuel I'm a student at Great Neck North High School and I'm in 12th grade. I play in the Band of Long Island on Sunday May 1st and a Wedding, on April 25th(Showcase at Russos on the Bay) with my teacher Anthony Bavota. In BOLI I played Esprit de corps, Selections from Oliver, Hands Across The Sea, Fantasia For Tuba and Concert Band,That's Entertainment, Tribute To Irving Berlin, Give Us This Day, and Armenian Dances. I played songs from Vagner at the wedding and others. My teacher was 1st and I was 2nd. We played as people came. This is my music experience outside of school.
-Andrew Samuel |
🎺Chocolate Milk Club benefit concert🎷
A few days ago, I attended the Chocolate Milk Club benefit concert. This is an organization that gives children in foster care gifts of great value. These children don’t have the items that most kids have in today's society. The organization donates items that the children need or want. This organization may give an MP3 player, a cell phone or a camera to the children in foster care to make them happy.
At the benefit we heard a wonderful concert of Jazz standards. The band was great and even came up with an excellent rendition of a song that they had not rehearsed. The musicians were: Mr. Trinkwald on bass, Mr. Kennedy on drums, Daniel Rutkowski (Mr. Rutkowski’s son) on piano and trumpet and Mr. Rutkowski on piano. The singer, Lisa Gary, is a graduate of Great Neck North High School. She was motivated to pursue jazz by North High Principal Mr. Kaplan, and her band teacher, whom she greatly admired, Mr. Rutkowski. We had a wonderful night helping a worthy charity and listening to some great music.
- Arabella Notar-Francesco
At the benefit we heard a wonderful concert of Jazz standards. The band was great and even came up with an excellent rendition of a song that they had not rehearsed. The musicians were: Mr. Trinkwald on bass, Mr. Kennedy on drums, Daniel Rutkowski (Mr. Rutkowski’s son) on piano and trumpet and Mr. Rutkowski on piano. The singer, Lisa Gary, is a graduate of Great Neck North High School. She was motivated to pursue jazz by North High Principal Mr. Kaplan, and her band teacher, whom she greatly admired, Mr. Rutkowski. We had a wonderful night helping a worthy charity and listening to some great music.
- Arabella Notar-Francesco
🎦Fiddler on the roof🏠
The revival of Fiddler on the Roof was the most amazing Broadway show I’ve ever seen, and I think the rest of the group can agree. I, along with other students and teachers in the Orchestra, Band, Chorus, and Drama programs at Great Neck North High School attended a performance of Fiddler on the Roof on Sunday, May 15th. Jam-packed with thrilling choreography and heartwarming performances, it was an experience I can never forget. More than that, it was an afternoon with family, friends, teachers, and a GNN alum-turned Broadway star, which I think is the most incredible of all. Following the show, we were able to meet GNNHS alum Adam Kantor, who plays Motel, along with the rest of the cast as they exited the theater from the stage door. We all thoroughly enjoyed the show as well as taking pictures with and getting autographs from our favorite stars. Special thanks to Ms. Meredith, Ms. Robinson, and Mr. Rutkowski, who arranged this trip, for giving us the opportunity to experience theatrical splendor.
~Courtney Hakimian
~Courtney Hakimian
👥Experience at the LIfC Honors flute CLub👥
This is Abigail Berkower's experience being in the LIFC Honors Flute Club.
This year, I had the privilege of being in the LIFC Honors Flute Club for the second year. The concert was held at Farmingdale Public Library, where we played “Star Spangled Banner,” “A Gaelic Offering,” “Chats,” “Coloratura,” and “Let There Be Peace On Earth.” It was very special to be able to share this experience with my long-time “flute buddy,” Isabelle Sehati. We’ve been playing flute together since fourth grade, and it’s fun to see how much we’ve grown, both in height and in musicianship.Playing in the LIFC Honors Flute Club was a wonderful and enriching experience. I was able to play with other high school flautists from schools all over Long Island who share the same passion for music as me. Although there were hindrances, such as a change in conductors and limited rehearsal time than usual, we were able to perform both as an independent youth flute choir and with the LIFC Professional Flute Club. Playing with professional flautists, particularly Ms. Kempton, who’s been my flute teacher since elementary school, was such an honor. Special thanks to Ms. Kempton and Mr. Rutkowski for their guidance and motivation in making me a better musician.
~Abigail Berkower
This year, I had the privilege of being in the LIFC Honors Flute Club for the second year. The concert was held at Farmingdale Public Library, where we played “Star Spangled Banner,” “A Gaelic Offering,” “Chats,” “Coloratura,” and “Let There Be Peace On Earth.” It was very special to be able to share this experience with my long-time “flute buddy,” Isabelle Sehati. We’ve been playing flute together since fourth grade, and it’s fun to see how much we’ve grown, both in height and in musicianship.Playing in the LIFC Honors Flute Club was a wonderful and enriching experience. I was able to play with other high school flautists from schools all over Long Island who share the same passion for music as me. Although there were hindrances, such as a change in conductors and limited rehearsal time than usual, we were able to perform both as an independent youth flute choir and with the LIFC Professional Flute Club. Playing with professional flautists, particularly Ms. Kempton, who’s been my flute teacher since elementary school, was such an honor. Special thanks to Ms. Kempton and Mr. Rutkowski for their guidance and motivation in making me a better musician.
~Abigail Berkower
💁nelson Kole visits GNN HS👀
Kole is a musician of great diversity. In his autobiography, he stated “I’ve always found it difficult to describe what I do succinctly. In the course of a month or sometimes even a week I may be composing, writing arrangements or orchestrations, creating or recording a track in my studio, conducting for or accompanying a singer or playing keyboard in a session or for a live show. So there’s no simple way to describe what I do. Suffice it to say I’m a pianist who composes, arranges, orchestrates, and conducts. I live, eat and breathe music!”
Kole is a pianist whose professional career began in Las Vegas. His main instrument is piano, however, throughout his high school career he has tried to pick up clarinet, only dropping it a few years later. He began piano as a young child when his family first moved in a piano into the house. Unlike most children who bang on the keys, Kole started his first experience at the piano by playing a scale. Ever since then, he has loved the sound of the piano and has continued to play. Kole has truly made a name for himself.
In the past he has accompanied headliners from Frank Sinatra and Dionne Warwick. He became musical director for Don Rickles, Ben Vereen, and more. During an interview when he visited Great Neck North, Kole stated that his favorite musician to work with was Don Rickles because of his humor—however another very interesting experience for him was working with Beyoncé when he had the opportunity to ask her to sing “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” He stated that her voice was simply incredible.
Kole has also released music of his own. His jazz group called Nelson Kole ‘n Kompany released their album “Tattoo” and it became a hit and now is his most popular album that he has released. Kole states that he composes his music by simply sitting down and playing the piano with whatever comes to his mind—and writing it down afterward. He says that he also composes electronic music—since a lot of music is now computerized nowadays. He explained how he sits in front of a computer with a keyboard connected and will work the program to compose his songs.
Eventually, Kole moved to Los Angeles—which brought him much more opportunity. During the interview at Great Neck North, Kole stated that there are two cities in the U.S. where the musical opportunities are endless: Los Angeles and Nashville. He explains how these two cities are the epicenter of musical composition and how many great musicians and composers all reside in these two cities. Some more accomplishments of Kole include being a composer/arranger on TV Show “Prime Time Glick” and “Weinerville.” Furthermore, he also collaborated in writing take out songs for the movie “Monsters, Inc.” Kole stated that he was called in by the “Monsters, Inc.” crew to sit down for an hour and play his piano for the outtakes—and that is exactly what he did. His piano part can be heard at the end of “Monsters Inc.” in the outtakes. Another accomplishment of Kole’s is his song “Someday,” which he entered into American Idol’s Songwriting competition, was chosen from over 25,000 entries as top twenty finalist
Overall, it can be concluded that Nelson Kole—the high school friend of our very own Mr. Rutkowski—is an incredible musician in which many Great Neck North musicians can relate with. It was wonderful that Kole took the time out of his extremely busy schedule to visit Great Neck North and I am extremely honored to have gotten the opportunity to meet him and interview him.
- Bradford Lin
Kole is a pianist whose professional career began in Las Vegas. His main instrument is piano, however, throughout his high school career he has tried to pick up clarinet, only dropping it a few years later. He began piano as a young child when his family first moved in a piano into the house. Unlike most children who bang on the keys, Kole started his first experience at the piano by playing a scale. Ever since then, he has loved the sound of the piano and has continued to play. Kole has truly made a name for himself.
In the past he has accompanied headliners from Frank Sinatra and Dionne Warwick. He became musical director for Don Rickles, Ben Vereen, and more. During an interview when he visited Great Neck North, Kole stated that his favorite musician to work with was Don Rickles because of his humor—however another very interesting experience for him was working with Beyoncé when he had the opportunity to ask her to sing “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” He stated that her voice was simply incredible.
Kole has also released music of his own. His jazz group called Nelson Kole ‘n Kompany released their album “Tattoo” and it became a hit and now is his most popular album that he has released. Kole states that he composes his music by simply sitting down and playing the piano with whatever comes to his mind—and writing it down afterward. He says that he also composes electronic music—since a lot of music is now computerized nowadays. He explained how he sits in front of a computer with a keyboard connected and will work the program to compose his songs.
Eventually, Kole moved to Los Angeles—which brought him much more opportunity. During the interview at Great Neck North, Kole stated that there are two cities in the U.S. where the musical opportunities are endless: Los Angeles and Nashville. He explains how these two cities are the epicenter of musical composition and how many great musicians and composers all reside in these two cities. Some more accomplishments of Kole include being a composer/arranger on TV Show “Prime Time Glick” and “Weinerville.” Furthermore, he also collaborated in writing take out songs for the movie “Monsters, Inc.” Kole stated that he was called in by the “Monsters, Inc.” crew to sit down for an hour and play his piano for the outtakes—and that is exactly what he did. His piano part can be heard at the end of “Monsters Inc.” in the outtakes. Another accomplishment of Kole’s is his song “Someday,” which he entered into American Idol’s Songwriting competition, was chosen from over 25,000 entries as top twenty finalist
Overall, it can be concluded that Nelson Kole—the high school friend of our very own Mr. Rutkowski—is an incredible musician in which many Great Neck North musicians can relate with. It was wonderful that Kole took the time out of his extremely busy schedule to visit Great Neck North and I am extremely honored to have gotten the opportunity to meet him and interview him.
- Bradford Lin
🍗Tri-M BBQ🍔
The trim-BBQ was held at the King Point Park. The students involved of the Trim Honors Society enjoyed a time to bond. At the barbecue the members played Frisbee, took turns cooking at the grill, and sat down to chat around the fire. Others went to the playground, sat on the seesaw, played basketball, and took a walk in the woods behind the park.
The students had to play five dollars for the food. On the grill, the members took turns cooking onions, chicken, tomatoes, and other delicious food. The cooked food was used to make hamburgers and hot dogs. All the members thought it was great especially the chicken and the burgers. The BBQ was from 3:30 pm to 8 pm on Sunday April 19.
All the members enjoyed spending a Sunday afternoon by the grill. Freshmen Josh Noryelian said,” I think that it was a great bonding experience for everyone involved.” Freshmen Audrey Tang said, “ It was fun to interact with different people you never met.” In addition Josh said, “The purpose of this barbecue was for having a club bonding activity. Seeing each other during school is great and all, but you don't really get to know people unless you spend time with them outside of school.” Another purpose was to get rid of the stress from school by meeting new members of the club. It was truly a day full of relaxation.
Many members agreed that they should host another barbecue because it was an enjoyable experience and each year can be better than the previous. It would be an annual event to meet more members and to become close with many people.
Since it was the first barbecue, there were some things to improve on. For example the food wasn't well cooked. One member felt sick after the barbecue due to the uncooked food. Another detail was the weather. The temperature was very cold and everyone had to gather around the fire to stay warm. It was also very windy and in the beginning the fire didn't stay as long as it should. The members were thinking of during it later in the year than doing it in April. The barbeque was full of laughter, fun, and good vibes around the grill.
- Isabel Yang
The students had to play five dollars for the food. On the grill, the members took turns cooking onions, chicken, tomatoes, and other delicious food. The cooked food was used to make hamburgers and hot dogs. All the members thought it was great especially the chicken and the burgers. The BBQ was from 3:30 pm to 8 pm on Sunday April 19.
All the members enjoyed spending a Sunday afternoon by the grill. Freshmen Josh Noryelian said,” I think that it was a great bonding experience for everyone involved.” Freshmen Audrey Tang said, “ It was fun to interact with different people you never met.” In addition Josh said, “The purpose of this barbecue was for having a club bonding activity. Seeing each other during school is great and all, but you don't really get to know people unless you spend time with them outside of school.” Another purpose was to get rid of the stress from school by meeting new members of the club. It was truly a day full of relaxation.
Many members agreed that they should host another barbecue because it was an enjoyable experience and each year can be better than the previous. It would be an annual event to meet more members and to become close with many people.
Since it was the first barbecue, there were some things to improve on. For example the food wasn't well cooked. One member felt sick after the barbecue due to the uncooked food. Another detail was the weather. The temperature was very cold and everyone had to gather around the fire to stay warm. It was also very windy and in the beginning the fire didn't stay as long as it should. The members were thinking of during it later in the year than doing it in April. The barbeque was full of laughter, fun, and good vibes around the grill.
- Isabel Yang
🐨Keeping up with the Australians✈
70 musicians from St. Lawrence, an all-boys school in Queensland, Australia, visited North High School on April 16th. The schoolboys ranged from ages 13 to 18, and the group consisted of 30 orchestra and 40 chorus members. The orchestra, including string and wind instruments, played “Caravan,” “Blunderbus,” “Australian Fantasy,” “Take Five,” and “Dance Bohemian,” which are jazz and samba pieces, during period 5. The chorus sang one of its selected songs beautifully and demonstrated its warm-ups, and also sang along with the period 7 freshmen chorus class. In addition, the orchestra accompanied the chorus’s songs “Going Up to Glory,” “Hallelujah Starting,” and “Calling Me Home.” Both conductors were very enthusiastic and demonstrated new things that we could add to our music program. During period 6, the musicians ate lunch in our cafeteria and socialized with many eager students. After chorus, they boarded the bus and went back to their hotel, getting ready to return to Australia the next morning. Their visit showed us that music is important to every country and that it really is the universal language of the world.
- Lauren Goldsamt
- Lauren Goldsamt
🎼Salome Benefit Concert🎫
On Wednesday, April 15, 7:30 pm, Great Neck North High School alumni Sean, Lauren and David Carpenter (NH classes of ’99, ’02, ’04) performed with the Salome Chamber Ensemble at the Italian Academy at Columbia University in New York, New York. The concert is a benefit performance for the Family Focus Adoption Services. The Family Focus Adoption Services is a non-profit organization that finds permanent adoptive families for older children in foster care.
The musicians of North High were fortunate enough to receive the tickets to the concert free of cost. “They received the amazing tickets for free?!” you asked. Yes, that is correct. The tickets were purchased with and provided by our own Tri-M Chapter Account! The musicians were able to experience a marvelous concert in the elegant, historic Teatro of Columbia University’s Italian Academy. The Salome Chamber Ensemble performed many beautiful pieces; A. Piazzolla "Libertango" (arr. O. Eldor); G. Rodriguez "La Cumparsita"; "O mio Babino Caro" - G. Puccini; "Brindisi" from La Traviata - G. Verdi; A. Piazzolla "Oblivion" (arr. T. Kischkel); A. Shor "Chicken Tarantella"; J. Brahms Clarinet Quintet with Joe Rutkowski, Clarinet; The Beatles - "Yesterday" and "Here, There and Everywhere"; V. Monti "Czardas" (arr. Eldor); A. Shor & O. Eldor "Murka Variations.”
Not only did the audience have the chance to listen to the Salome Chamber Ensemble perform pieces featuring music of Vivaldi, Brahms, Puccini, Piazzolla, the Beatles and more, but they were also given the opportunity to experience a performance from the incredible soprano Amanda Bollang and North High’s very own brilliant clarinetist, Joseph Rutkowski. Mr. Rutkowski performed the Brahms Clarinet Quintet, and his arrangement of the Beatles' Yesterday, originally performed and recorded by Paul McCarntey, was accompanied by a string quartet with the Salome Chamber Ensemble.
This concert was very special to Mr. Rutkowski. He has a unique connection to both Salome and Family Focus. Salomé was founded by his former orchestra students at Great Neck North High School, Sean, Lauren and David Carpenter (NH classes of ’99, ’02, ’04). In addition, Joe's wife Lisa Binder is the Assistant Director at Family Focus, devoting her time to recruiting and training families to adopt older children in the foster care system.
Some thoughts and reviews of the concert:
“.....their music was very powerful.”
- Parents
“ I was amazed on how beautifully each piece was played...”
-Students
“I got the goosebumps listening to them...”
-audience members
- Elana Xu
The musicians of North High were fortunate enough to receive the tickets to the concert free of cost. “They received the amazing tickets for free?!” you asked. Yes, that is correct. The tickets were purchased with and provided by our own Tri-M Chapter Account! The musicians were able to experience a marvelous concert in the elegant, historic Teatro of Columbia University’s Italian Academy. The Salome Chamber Ensemble performed many beautiful pieces; A. Piazzolla "Libertango" (arr. O. Eldor); G. Rodriguez "La Cumparsita"; "O mio Babino Caro" - G. Puccini; "Brindisi" from La Traviata - G. Verdi; A. Piazzolla "Oblivion" (arr. T. Kischkel); A. Shor "Chicken Tarantella"; J. Brahms Clarinet Quintet with Joe Rutkowski, Clarinet; The Beatles - "Yesterday" and "Here, There and Everywhere"; V. Monti "Czardas" (arr. Eldor); A. Shor & O. Eldor "Murka Variations.”
Not only did the audience have the chance to listen to the Salome Chamber Ensemble perform pieces featuring music of Vivaldi, Brahms, Puccini, Piazzolla, the Beatles and more, but they were also given the opportunity to experience a performance from the incredible soprano Amanda Bollang and North High’s very own brilliant clarinetist, Joseph Rutkowski. Mr. Rutkowski performed the Brahms Clarinet Quintet, and his arrangement of the Beatles' Yesterday, originally performed and recorded by Paul McCarntey, was accompanied by a string quartet with the Salome Chamber Ensemble.
This concert was very special to Mr. Rutkowski. He has a unique connection to both Salome and Family Focus. Salomé was founded by his former orchestra students at Great Neck North High School, Sean, Lauren and David Carpenter (NH classes of ’99, ’02, ’04). In addition, Joe's wife Lisa Binder is the Assistant Director at Family Focus, devoting her time to recruiting and training families to adopt older children in the foster care system.
Some thoughts and reviews of the concert:
“.....their music was very powerful.”
- Parents
“ I was amazed on how beautifully each piece was played...”
-Students
“I got the goosebumps listening to them...”
-audience members
- Elana Xu
🎦Carnegie Hall performance🎶
Ever since it was open in 1891, Carnegie Hall has been full of music and performances from many musicians around the world. Many famous composers such as Tchaikovsky and Dvorack to orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic have performed in Carnegie Hall.
This year was Great Neck North High School’s thirteenth year performing in Carnegie Hall. The symphony orchestra played The Franck Symphony in D minor and Jupiter the Bringer of Jollity by Golstav Holst. Not only did the symphony orchestra play at Carnegie Hall but also Isaac Stern Hall. Isaac Stern Hall is the most well known hall in the world. Many famous musicians and orchestras have played on the same stage the symphony orchestra performed on. Students first have to audition to play in the symphony orchestra. The requirements were to attend afterschool orchestra at least once, to play two passages of the two pieces, and to play a given scale well.
Students gave all their effort and passion at all the rehearsals and loved the experience. Senior Cordelia Ding said, “It‘s my second year and it’s still very exciting and different each year. “
Freshmen Audrey Tang said,” It’s one of the most important places in the world after all. I think it was just the feeling an experience of being with people I've never been with before and playing in such an important stage as a group. I also got to hear a lot of talented people play that I've never heard before. It's really nerve wracking before we go on stage and I was really nervous about messing up but once I got on stage I didn't feel nervous anymore because we were playing together as a group and I knew it wasn't just me, that comforted me a lot. But it's amazing knowing that I'm at such an important place at a young age.” Unlike some schools, our school is grateful to be invited many times to play at Carnegie Hall. In addition Freshmen Audrey Tang said, “ Some people will never play on that stage their whole life but I got to even though I'm just a normal freshman girl. The sound quality was something I've never heard before so it was a nice experience.” Playing on that stage, the students were full of mixed feelings. Junior M.Y. said, “ It’s awesome playing in the hall. You can hear the great sound echoing through the hall. ” Audrey replied, “ It's an overwhelming feeling because so many important people have been there and now I've been on the same stage as really important people even though I'm still just a kid in a way.” After experiencing what it’s like to play on that famous stage, most students wanted to go back and play again.
Freshmen Audrey Tang replied, “ Of course, I'd liked to play there every year if I could. It's such an honor, I'm lucky I got to play there even once cause they're a lot of people out there that want to but probably will never be able to. School concerts are still important but this is a concert at Carnegie hall. One of the most important places ever...Our group basically represented the entire school so it felt completely different from an ordinary school concert. “
After that concert, everyone knew that their work paid off to put an awesome concert.
- Isabel Yang
👂SEE WHAT OUR AMAZING ADVISER, JOSEPH RUTKOWSKI, HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE ELMHURST 👂COLLEGE ORCHESTRA TOUR STOPPING AT OUR VERY OWN GREAT NECK NORTH HIGH!!
In my 24+ years teaching in Great Neck, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 was a most special day at John L. Miller-Great Neck North High School.
The day began with 43 students and professors setting up in our Lecture Room with their instruments and equipment. This was the 4th day of their tour to the Metropolitan area from Elmhurst, Ill, a suburb of Chicago.
Sponsored by their school their tour included appearances at Mamaroneck HS, venues in NYC and GREAT NECK NORTH HIGH. These incredible college student musicians were dressed in formal attire (tuxedos and gowns) and offered professional sounding orchestral pieces, along with eye-popping Saxophone Quartet. They also were unbelievably flexible in moving about the room to allow our high school students to take their seats to perform our warm up and concert repertoire for them. There was a genuine exchange of musical and educational concepts. I especially enjoyed the Q&A during period 4 when the college students and staff members posed throught-provoking questions and issues to my students and me. Many of them are music education majors who want to become music teachers. However, about half of them are NOT music majors at all, but love to continue to practice and play their instruments. This was important for our students to see that they can continue to love playing music without having to commit themselves to a music career.
The college students and staff commented favorably about the warm up routine we have established with our students. They were also impressed with the high caliber of playing by our concertmaster Leerone Hakami and the way the other students accompanied her in the Saint Saens Violin Concerto.
At the end of the day, the Elmhurst College students presented me with a gift of music stand lights and an official Elmhurst College neck strap.
You can check out their web site: http://public.elmhurst.edu/music
This year was Great Neck North High School’s thirteenth year performing in Carnegie Hall. The symphony orchestra played The Franck Symphony in D minor and Jupiter the Bringer of Jollity by Golstav Holst. Not only did the symphony orchestra play at Carnegie Hall but also Isaac Stern Hall. Isaac Stern Hall is the most well known hall in the world. Many famous musicians and orchestras have played on the same stage the symphony orchestra performed on. Students first have to audition to play in the symphony orchestra. The requirements were to attend afterschool orchestra at least once, to play two passages of the two pieces, and to play a given scale well.
Students gave all their effort and passion at all the rehearsals and loved the experience. Senior Cordelia Ding said, “It‘s my second year and it’s still very exciting and different each year. “
Freshmen Audrey Tang said,” It’s one of the most important places in the world after all. I think it was just the feeling an experience of being with people I've never been with before and playing in such an important stage as a group. I also got to hear a lot of talented people play that I've never heard before. It's really nerve wracking before we go on stage and I was really nervous about messing up but once I got on stage I didn't feel nervous anymore because we were playing together as a group and I knew it wasn't just me, that comforted me a lot. But it's amazing knowing that I'm at such an important place at a young age.” Unlike some schools, our school is grateful to be invited many times to play at Carnegie Hall. In addition Freshmen Audrey Tang said, “ Some people will never play on that stage their whole life but I got to even though I'm just a normal freshman girl. The sound quality was something I've never heard before so it was a nice experience.” Playing on that stage, the students were full of mixed feelings. Junior M.Y. said, “ It’s awesome playing in the hall. You can hear the great sound echoing through the hall. ” Audrey replied, “ It's an overwhelming feeling because so many important people have been there and now I've been on the same stage as really important people even though I'm still just a kid in a way.” After experiencing what it’s like to play on that famous stage, most students wanted to go back and play again.
Freshmen Audrey Tang replied, “ Of course, I'd liked to play there every year if I could. It's such an honor, I'm lucky I got to play there even once cause they're a lot of people out there that want to but probably will never be able to. School concerts are still important but this is a concert at Carnegie hall. One of the most important places ever...Our group basically represented the entire school so it felt completely different from an ordinary school concert. “
After that concert, everyone knew that their work paid off to put an awesome concert.
- Isabel Yang
👂SEE WHAT OUR AMAZING ADVISER, JOSEPH RUTKOWSKI, HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE ELMHURST 👂COLLEGE ORCHESTRA TOUR STOPPING AT OUR VERY OWN GREAT NECK NORTH HIGH!!
In my 24+ years teaching in Great Neck, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 was a most special day at John L. Miller-Great Neck North High School.
The day began with 43 students and professors setting up in our Lecture Room with their instruments and equipment. This was the 4th day of their tour to the Metropolitan area from Elmhurst, Ill, a suburb of Chicago.
Sponsored by their school their tour included appearances at Mamaroneck HS, venues in NYC and GREAT NECK NORTH HIGH. These incredible college student musicians were dressed in formal attire (tuxedos and gowns) and offered professional sounding orchestral pieces, along with eye-popping Saxophone Quartet. They also were unbelievably flexible in moving about the room to allow our high school students to take their seats to perform our warm up and concert repertoire for them. There was a genuine exchange of musical and educational concepts. I especially enjoyed the Q&A during period 4 when the college students and staff members posed throught-provoking questions and issues to my students and me. Many of them are music education majors who want to become music teachers. However, about half of them are NOT music majors at all, but love to continue to practice and play their instruments. This was important for our students to see that they can continue to love playing music without having to commit themselves to a music career.
The college students and staff commented favorably about the warm up routine we have established with our students. They were also impressed with the high caliber of playing by our concertmaster Leerone Hakami and the way the other students accompanied her in the Saint Saens Violin Concerto.
At the end of the day, the Elmhurst College students presented me with a gift of music stand lights and an official Elmhurst College neck strap.
You can check out their web site: http://public.elmhurst.edu/music
|
MATHEW HAN PLAYS FOR THE VETERANS!
Just the thought of performing a solo in front of real Veterans had me nervous. I have been practicing for days, and weeks leading up to the moment. I was extremely nervous. Way too nervous to even describe. Once I got the the hospital, I practiced in a small, confined room filled with books, and paperwork. I hoped no one could hear me, but I knew that in order for me to play the solo, I had to overcome my nervousness, and not be afraid to play as loud as I wanted. I stood outside, waiting for my cue. As a man cued me in, I played, but I played a little too fast. The man was bringing down the American flag as I was playing, so I ended up playing the song Retreat about four times. I got very tired at the end, but I played it strong. After the two veterans folded the flag, I played taps. Taps came out perfectly. Now I know what practicing does for you! At the end, I got many thanks and much appreciation from all of the people watching. I had a great time, and even though it was brief, it was totally worth volunteering for. |
ABIGAIL BERKOWER TALKS ABOUT HER TIME AT THE LONG ISLAND FLUTE CLUB!!
Long Island Flute Club (LIFC) Honor Flute Choir
I had the privilege of being a part of the LIFC Honor Flute Choir this year.
Affectionately dubbed “kiddie choir,” it consists of eleven flautists from both Nassau and
Suffolk County that have received high scores at NYSSMA, and have a passion for
playing the flute. After only four rehearsals, we were ready to play our concert together
with the LIFC Professional Flute Choir. We started the concert by playing the Star
Spangled Banner together.Then it was the Honors Choir’s turn to play. The first piece
was Echoes of the Ancients, by Sarah Bassingthwaighte. Instead of everyone standing
in the front per the normal setup, all of the members set up all around the room, giving
the piece a waterfall effect. After, we re-gathered in the front of the room, and
performed Precipitation to the Dance, by Jonathan Cohen, Crystal Blue, and Jewel of
The Sea, both by James-Michael Sellers. Overall, they were a mix of slow and upbeat
modern pieces. The Professional Choir followed, also playing a selection of more recent
pieces. It was very interesting to hear all of the sounds of the different flutes, from the
bass to the piccolo, blend together. Since it was the 30th Anniversary Concert for the
LIFC, they also played Happy Birthday, arranged in the styles of several composers,
such as Joplin and Dvorak, as if the composers were wishing the club a happy birthday.
The last piece brought the Honors and Professional Choirs together once more, for the
piece Let There Be Peace on Earth. It was a very interesting, enriching experience,
because I was able to not only play my flute with other people who were as
enthusiastic, if not more so, as I about music, but I was able to learn from my peers, as
well as the Professional Choir.
Long Island Flute Club (LIFC) Honor Flute Choir
I had the privilege of being a part of the LIFC Honor Flute Choir this year.
Affectionately dubbed “kiddie choir,” it consists of eleven flautists from both Nassau and
Suffolk County that have received high scores at NYSSMA, and have a passion for
playing the flute. After only four rehearsals, we were ready to play our concert together
with the LIFC Professional Flute Choir. We started the concert by playing the Star
Spangled Banner together.Then it was the Honors Choir’s turn to play. The first piece
was Echoes of the Ancients, by Sarah Bassingthwaighte. Instead of everyone standing
in the front per the normal setup, all of the members set up all around the room, giving
the piece a waterfall effect. After, we re-gathered in the front of the room, and
performed Precipitation to the Dance, by Jonathan Cohen, Crystal Blue, and Jewel of
The Sea, both by James-Michael Sellers. Overall, they were a mix of slow and upbeat
modern pieces. The Professional Choir followed, also playing a selection of more recent
pieces. It was very interesting to hear all of the sounds of the different flutes, from the
bass to the piccolo, blend together. Since it was the 30th Anniversary Concert for the
LIFC, they also played Happy Birthday, arranged in the styles of several composers,
such as Joplin and Dvorak, as if the composers were wishing the club a happy birthday.
The last piece brought the Honors and Professional Choirs together once more, for the
piece Let There Be Peace on Earth. It was a very interesting, enriching experience,
because I was able to not only play my flute with other people who were as
enthusiastic, if not more so, as I about music, but I was able to learn from my peers, as
well as the Professional Choir.
HEATHER HAN TALKS ABOUT HER EXPERIENCE AT The Rutkowski trio's jazz outdoor concert with Lisa Gary, and Matt Trinkwald!!!!
On a wonderful Thursday evening with Solomon, my dear friend, and I were invited to Mr.R's jazz outdoor concert. It was at sunset right next to the glimmering sun's reflection on the water of East River;
best time and place for jazz of course! It was special because Mr.R was on piano and clarinet,
his two sons were playing piano, trombone, and trumpet. I am certainly not leaving out Lisa Gary
who sang few songs with her sweet voice that flew through the air so softly; she was an alumni of
Great Neck North High school and a student of Mr.R. The bass player, Matthew Trinkwald,was the
teacher/conductor of the north middle. The drummer, Jerry Neuhoff, a long time (over 30 years!) colleague
of Mr R, was certainly great! So the concert can be called as a family& student/teacher reunion concert. Every instrument and voice were complimenting each other; drum keeping the beat, bass supporting the music and smoothing them out, piano being there with clearness, trombone and trumpet adding extra jazziness, clarinet
sounding like humming birds, and vocalist finishing with fruit drop sweet taste to the music aroused people to get up and dance with rhythm. It was a great romantic evening and a special memory for many people who were there. I hope there will be similar kind of concert soon!
On a wonderful Thursday evening with Solomon, my dear friend, and I were invited to Mr.R's jazz outdoor concert. It was at sunset right next to the glimmering sun's reflection on the water of East River;
best time and place for jazz of course! It was special because Mr.R was on piano and clarinet,
his two sons were playing piano, trombone, and trumpet. I am certainly not leaving out Lisa Gary
who sang few songs with her sweet voice that flew through the air so softly; she was an alumni of
Great Neck North High school and a student of Mr.R. The bass player, Matthew Trinkwald,was the
teacher/conductor of the north middle. The drummer, Jerry Neuhoff, a long time (over 30 years!) colleague
of Mr R, was certainly great! So the concert can be called as a family& student/teacher reunion concert. Every instrument and voice were complimenting each other; drum keeping the beat, bass supporting the music and smoothing them out, piano being there with clearness, trombone and trumpet adding extra jazziness, clarinet
sounding like humming birds, and vocalist finishing with fruit drop sweet taste to the music aroused people to get up and dance with rhythm. It was a great romantic evening and a special memory for many people who were there. I hope there will be similar kind of concert soon!
🍕TRI-M DINNER 2013!!!!!!!🍝
Tri-M is an international honor society that is submerged in the realm of music. Members of this society range from adolescents in junior high through high school, who despite age have one thing in common; a passion for music. Tri-M exists to reward students for their devotion and successes in this field, be it through service work, scheduling performances, or any other achievements that they may accomplish on their own terms. It inspires other to take an interest into musical arts, and has grown to influence over 4,000 chapters nationwide. A Tri-M dinner is held in local schools annually. In these dinners, a chapter invites others nearby to spend a night playing/ listening to music, getting to know other members, and to discuss the goals of each chapter and for Tri-M as a whole. Without Tri-M, schools nationwide likely wouldn't have music programs as strong as they are now, for each Tri-M chapter has members who are wholly dedicated to spreading the importance of music.
Tri-M is an international honor society that is submerged in the realm of music. Members of this society range from adolescents in junior high through high school, who despite age have one thing in common; a passion for music. Tri-M exists to reward students for their devotion and successes in this field, be it through service work, scheduling performances, or any other achievements that they may accomplish on their own terms. It inspires other to take an interest into musical arts, and has grown to influence over 4,000 chapters nationwide. A Tri-M dinner is held in local schools annually. In these dinners, a chapter invites others nearby to spend a night playing/ listening to music, getting to know other members, and to discuss the goals of each chapter and for Tri-M as a whole. Without Tri-M, schools nationwide likely wouldn't have music programs as strong as they are now, for each Tri-M chapter has members who are wholly dedicated to spreading the importance of music.
🎓GRADUATION 2014!!!!!!!!!!🎓
North High seniors, as well as many dedicated North High musicians prepare for the seniors FINAL DOWNBEAT with Mr. Rutkowski and the Great Neck North High Symphony Orchestra!!
North High seniors, as well as many dedicated North High musicians prepare for the seniors FINAL DOWNBEAT with Mr. Rutkowski and the Great Neck North High Symphony Orchestra!!
👦NORTH HIGH'S ANNUAL YOUNG PEOPLES CONCERT!!!!👧
One of the major accomplishments that North's music program offers is to visit Great Neck's elementary schools and
perform for the faculty and the students. The seniors in the orchestra have the opportunity to perform their Concertos
with the North High Symphony Orchestra as well. It's a joy to watch the kids eyes brighten at the magical sounds that
come from orchestra. The Bus tour sends a thrilling chill in the musician's and student's spine. The musicians really enjoy
to perform in hopes to encourage the elementary kids to practice more and develop a passion for music, and the students
really appreciate the work that the musicians put into the music and hope to be just like them.
One of the major accomplishments that North's music program offers is to visit Great Neck's elementary schools and
perform for the faculty and the students. The seniors in the orchestra have the opportunity to perform their Concertos
with the North High Symphony Orchestra as well. It's a joy to watch the kids eyes brighten at the magical sounds that
come from orchestra. The Bus tour sends a thrilling chill in the musician's and student's spine. The musicians really enjoy
to perform in hopes to encourage the elementary kids to practice more and develop a passion for music, and the students
really appreciate the work that the musicians put into the music and hope to be just like them.
🎦CARNEGIE HALL 2014!!!!!🎦
The Great neck North High School Symphony Orchestra was invited, once again to perform in the Issac Stern Memorial Hall!
An amazing experience in which many dedicated musicians gave up their April vacation so they could take part in rehearsals
as well as the performance.
The Great neck North High School Symphony Orchestra was invited, once again to perform in the Issac Stern Memorial Hall!
An amazing experience in which many dedicated musicians gave up their April vacation so they could take part in rehearsals
as well as the performance.
👵Cutter-Mill Atria 10/14/14!!!👴
As a hard working Music Honors Society, Tri-M Chapter 2605 is made up of individual musicians who have joined their efforts to enrich the environment not only
within their high school but also throughout their hometown of Great Neck; as individual musicians, each member is driven by their passion for music to share their talent and to spread the joy of music. Many times when there is an upcoming function, Chapter 2605 is widely requested to be entertainment. For example open school night, when parents are required to attend their child’s classrooms, is a time when music is needed to brighten the dull night for parents. Jazz and classical tunes are played to appeal to everyone’s musical taste to energize the parents before they head off to their child’s classes. Another example of performing within the school is through the accustomed Friday morning lobby music in North High. Undulating through the hallways of the school every Friday morning, these melodic tunes are created by the passionate musicians of North High. Many times, crowds will gather around the performers to appreciate the effort made by numerous musicians to spread the joy of music. There are also performances that take place outside of the walls of Great Neck North High School. Chapter 2605 is known for participating in multiple volunteer trips to the Atria Senior Citizens Center. It not only allows North High musicians to hone their performance skills but also allows teenagers to give back to Great Neck. Tri-M Chapter 2605 could not function without the dedication of its individual members. Through the love for performing and the dedication to music, the individual members of Chapter 2605 enhance the environment of Great Neck.
As a hard working Music Honors Society, Tri-M Chapter 2605 is made up of individual musicians who have joined their efforts to enrich the environment not only
within their high school but also throughout their hometown of Great Neck; as individual musicians, each member is driven by their passion for music to share their talent and to spread the joy of music. Many times when there is an upcoming function, Chapter 2605 is widely requested to be entertainment. For example open school night, when parents are required to attend their child’s classrooms, is a time when music is needed to brighten the dull night for parents. Jazz and classical tunes are played to appeal to everyone’s musical taste to energize the parents before they head off to their child’s classes. Another example of performing within the school is through the accustomed Friday morning lobby music in North High. Undulating through the hallways of the school every Friday morning, these melodic tunes are created by the passionate musicians of North High. Many times, crowds will gather around the performers to appreciate the effort made by numerous musicians to spread the joy of music. There are also performances that take place outside of the walls of Great Neck North High School. Chapter 2605 is known for participating in multiple volunteer trips to the Atria Senior Citizens Center. It not only allows North High musicians to hone their performance skills but also allows teenagers to give back to Great Neck. Tri-M Chapter 2605 could not function without the dedication of its individual members. Through the love for performing and the dedication to music, the individual members of Chapter 2605 enhance the environment of Great Neck.