SOMS Middle School

57 Students Participate in Junior-All County Music Festival

Students from across the county joined together during the first week of January for the Junior-All County Music Festival. Students in grades 7, 8, and 9 are selected to participate in this festival based on their success at the annual New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Solo Festival held each spring. The event, sponsored by the Rockland County Music Educators Association (RCMEA) was held at North Rockland High School. The Music Department congratulates the following 57 SOCSD students who participated:

Chorus: (SOMS) Julie B, Belinda B., Greg D., Tara D., Sydney J., Elizabeth L., Hannah L., Sarah M., Jarrett M., Monica M., Laura O., Selena, Q., Emma S.
(TZHS): Julia B., Cara C., Sonya H., Andrew H., Christina K., Maggie P., Annika S., Emma W.

Band: (SOMS) Livia B., Ryan F., Liam F., Kyle F., Skylar K., Paul K., Daesob L., Stefano M., Estella M., Lukas P., Jessica S., Amy Z.
(TZHS): Amit K., Changseob L., Shawn S., Ryan Z.

Orchestra: (SOMS) Diana C., John C., Jane C., Olivia D., Elena K., Alexander L., Bridget O., Sienna P., Alice T.
(TZHS): Alex C., Christina C., Joshua D., Emily D., Andrew L., Kaila M., Sara M., Hannah M., Lily S., Yuna S., Maria V.

 

SOMS and TZHS Gather to Discuss Music Program at SOCSD

Just prior to winter recess, students in the performing music programs at South Orangetown Middle School and Tappan Zee High School met for a gathering at TZHS. All of the 8th grade instrumental and vocal students from SOMS witnessed performances from TZHS ensembles, including the Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, and Chamber Orchestra.

During this visit, TZHS students had the opportunity to share information about continuing in the music  program with their peers. During a “talk back” session, a panel of high school students took questions  from the 8th graders on several topics, including the expectations of high school ensembles, scheduling of multiple groups with academics, extra curricular activities, and more.

The SOCSD Music Department is proud to offer quality ensemble experiences in grades four through twelve. We are committed to developing camaraderie among students in the program as they devote themselves to music and sharing their work with the community!

Cottage Lane Students Visits SOMS for Peer Presentations

On December 16, 2011, SOMS hosted the entire 5th grade class from Cottage Lane Elementary. During this visit, the soon-to-be middle school students were treated to presentations by the Foreign Language and Music Departments.

As a part of the Music Department presentation, members from the 6th grade performing ensembles took the stage for a brief concert. The concert began with the Symphonic Orchestra, conducted by Mr. Rotjan, and was followed by Mrs. Peña-Carney’s Treble Chorus and Mrs. Tocco’s Symphonic Band.

The 6th grade performing ensembles represent a large portion of the total class, with about 120 students from the grade in the ensembles. Students were proud to host their district peers and present on behalf of the program!
 

The Music Department at SOMS held another incredibly successful pie sale this year. Just before Thanksgiving, approximately 1,350 pies were delivered to the middle school for distribution. Student and parent volunteers helped to fill orders and organize this project alongside the SOMS music staff. This was the 23rd pie sale!

The pie sale is held annually to raise money for Department trips and awards. This year our students will be participating in the High Note Festival, where students will receive ratings and comments from professional adjudicators. Following the festival we will celebrate at Lake Compounce in Connecticut.

Thank you to students, teachers, administrators, and all parents and community members for supporting music in our schools!

 

SOMS Student Performs with Rockland Symphony Orchestra
Congratulations to SOMS 8th grader Cordelia M., who performed her orchestral debut with the Rockland Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, October 23rd. Cordelia, also a student at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division, performed David Popper's Hungarian Rhapsody, Op. 68 for cello and orchestra. To receive this honor, Cordelia won the Rockland County Music Teachers Guild concerto competition and performed on stage at the Rockland Community College’s Cultural Arts Center. Cordelia is a member of the SOMS Concert and Chamber Orchestras, and also has participated in several NYSSMA solo and All County Events.