The Sound of Music
Bridle Path/Montgomery Elementary Select String Ensemble heads to NYC for performance
The Bridle Path/Montgomery Elementary Select String Ensemble has been accepted to participate in the 2017 Symphonic Series at the acclaimed Carnegie Hall in New York City on Monday, March 26.
“I am greatly honored to perform on Monday because not a lot of people get to experience this
in their lives. This is such a big deal for not just me but for the whole North Penn
School District,” said Claire Holsinger, a viola player and fifth grader at Bridle Path Elementary.
The ensemble was invited as a result of the scores they received when performing at the Kennedy Center
in Washington, D.C., last spring. “Their performance received a standing ovation, and was rewarded with the highest marks at the concert, said Select String Ensemble and Orchestra Director Ralph T. Jackson.
The Symphonic Series is a unique opportunity for some of the most gifted bands and orchestras to perform on a ticketed daytime concert at a major concert venue. This is the third time the ensemble has been invited to play at Carnegie Hall (most recently in 2013), which, according to parents, can largely be attributed to Jackson’s directing.
“I think the thing that sets this group apart is the combination of high standards, work ethic and tough love that Mr. Jackson is known for. Year after year, the students rise to the challenge that he sets before them because he makes it clear to each student that he believes in their innate ability as a musician, and he empowers them with the belief that they are capable of achieving greatness,” said parent Alexis Drolet, whose daughter, Alayna Drolet, plays violin
in the group.
“I have seen firsthand that this program has helped to develop discipline and a strong work ethic. My older daughter has always said that Mr. Jackson’s program taught her that nothing is given to you — you have to work hard for it and the hard work will pay off. What better way for it to pay off than a chance to perform at Carnegie Hall? As a parent, it makes me very proud to be part of such a wonderful program, which has also been expressed to me by parents throughout the district,” said Michelle Roberts, mother of Lexie Roberts, a fifth grade violin player at Montgomery Elementary.
Jackson is quick to credit the students for their hard work, who rehearse together every week during the school year despite being active in many other activities.
“The students are committed to making the group the best it can be. Each member is invaluable and makes significant contributions towards making the group better at each rehearsal. Every individual works to perfect their own
individual part and have it prepared to put together with the group so they may help take the group’s musical performance to a higher level,” said Jackson.
He continued, “Within the group, we have elite athletes, gymnasts, dancers, equestrians, scientists, and many other interests, yet they all maintain a strong commitment to their peers in the group.”
At Monday’s concert, the ensemble, which was the elementary group invited to perform, will perform Waltz of the Wicked by Kirt N. Mosier, Gaelic Overture by David O’Fallon, Chapter One by Carold Nunez, Ear-Igami by Richard Meyer, and Possibilities, which was commissioned and written specifically for the ensemble by composer Brian Balmages.
“My favorite piece to play at Carnegie Hall will be EarIgami,” said Isaac Sohn, fifth grade cellist at Montgomery Elementary. “We are playing our instrument with paper. Who doesn’t want to see kids attempting to play cello with paper? The last time we played this piece at a concert the whole crowd ‘oohed’ at the sight of various shades of paper being thrown everywhere. It will be breathtaking.”
While Jackson is proud of his students’ hard work and dedication, he also stressed
that the ensemble’s success can largely be accredited to the parents.
“I always say the parents are the backbone of the entire organization. I conduct the group and work with the children musically, while a parent volunteer works to provide the wonderful travel opportunities for their children. This year, our trip to Carnegie Hall (and the PMEA conference in Lancaster) has been planned by Mrs. Payal Kondisetty, mother of fifth grade Montgomery Elementary violinist Malini Kondisetty,” said Jackson.
During their time in New York City, the ensemble will receive an exclusive, behind the scenes tour of Carnegie Hall. Outside of the festival, the students will be able to enjoy free time with their friends and families, seeing shows, visiting museums, shopping and enjoying all the city has to offer. The group will wrap up with a celebration dinner together at Ellen’s Stardust Diner.
The ensemble will also be performing at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) annual state conference in Lancaster, Pa., on April 19.
For more information about the Bridle Path/Montgomery Select String Ensemble, visit www.npenn.org/ Page/7754.