The Office of Visual and Performing Arts in collaboration with District schools and anchor performing arts venues located in the City of Newark provide exemplary opportunities for students to perform on big stages. Students from twelve Newark high schools performed during the Second Annual High School Vocal Jubilee on the Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall stage at Newark Symphony Hall, June 2nd. Music Educators and Guest Musical Director, Vinroy D. Brown Jr. from Westminster Choir College, conducted over 80 high school vocal students during a program of diverse musical selections. Student vocalists were joined by 15 high school band students during one of the musical selections. Students from the twelve schools came together for the first time to rehearse at Symphony Hall the day before the concert.
On June 6th, over 1,000 students in grades 3 and 4 from thirty-six elementary schools performed for the audience of New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) during the 10th Annual Celebration of the R.A.M.P. (Recorder Arts for Musical Pathways) program. NJPAC teaching artists provided 2 full days of professional development with music educators and supported district curriculum in conjunction with concert goals. This year’s performance included All Stars representing each school who performed selections on stage. A special addition to this year’s concert included two small student ensembles performing original student created compositions. The compositions were created as part of the NBOE Music Curriculum where students engage with creating music processes. Events like these provide authentic performance opportunities for Newark students in Newark Venues while also engaging the Newark Community.