Staff Sergeant Christina Hughes, TZHS alumna and flute player in the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band, stopped by Cottage Lane Elementary School and Tappan Zee High School yesterday to host flute workshops! Christina, daughter of CLE and TZHS music teacher Bill Hughes, is touring the Northeast this month with the U.S. Marine Band and TZHS band students had the opportunity to see them perform at Carnegie Hall last night.
“It’s always a great experience for our music students at all levels, to have the opportunity to meet and interact with someone who is a top professional in their field. Especially if that person is a South Orangetown graduate,” said CLE and TZHS music teacher Bill Hughes.
At CLE, Hughes started the workshop by playing a song for the flute players in the instrumental music program. She showed students the various types of flutes she plays before explaining how to properly assemble and disassemble the instrument. Hughes also taught them how to hold the flute and the correct posture when sitting or standing to ensure the best sound. “This flute masterclass is another way for us to continue to build relationships with our community and continue to support our growing instrumental music program,” CLE Assistant Principal Rob Schliessman noted.
During the workshop at TZHS, Hughes worked with flute players from SOMS and TZHS and gave them useful ways to improve their sound production by demonstrating some of the major flute scales. She practiced one-on-one with some students and gave them strategies when playing certain notes. Hughes ended the workshop by explaining the importance of practicing outside of class and how to practice at home. “The main takeaways for our students is the potential to be inspired and motivated through this experience to achieve a high level musically. Also, the opportunity to hear details, in this case about flute playing, regarding the types of best practices and preparation work like this involves—while having some fun along the way,” Mr. Hughes explained.
