At the Music In The Parks Festival, Sayville Music Students Outshine the Competition

For the Sayville Music students, it was truly a “great adventure.” On Saturday, May 21st the High School Concert Band, under the direction of Mrs. Kerri Van Boxel, and the Middle School Jazz Choir, under the direction of both Mrs. Christine Cirillo and Mrs. Kristi Woerner and with accompanist Fred Diekmann, traveled to Six Flags Great Adventure to participate in the Music In The Parks Festival. 

“The High School Concert Band took home a trophy with a rating of Superior for their performance, the highest rank in the scoring system,” Mrs. Van Boxel announced. In addition, The Middle School Jazz Choir took home a trophy with a rating of Excellent for their performance. “Both ensembles were gleaming with pride,” Mrs. Cirillo shared, “when they accepted their awards. The Middle School Jazz Choir was also awarded the Espirit de Corps trophy over all other ensembles that performed that day.  This award was given for their spirit, enthusiasm, and the kindness that they exhibited throughout the entire day.”  

Perhaps the greatest part of their overall adventure at the Festival was in the unexpected response from people in the park. "The Middle School Jazz Choir came ready to perform, and they channeled all of their energy into their performance that morning,” Mrs Cirillo explained. “They were the youngest performers of the day and had high school students from New Jersey coming up to them and telling them that they were inspiring.  Everyone who met them on Saturday was impressed not only by their talent, but by their character as well.  It was an amazing experience not only for the kids, but for the teachers and parents."

"We are so very proud of the Middle School Jazz Choir," Middle School Principal Dr. Joseph Castoro added. "They were recognized for their performance as well as for their incredible character!" Congratulations to all our outstanding music students!