"It occurred to me by intuition, and music was the driving force behind that intuition. My discovery was the result of musical perception." (When asked about his theory of relativity) -  Albert Einstein 
 

CLE Students Get Concert Preview

On Tuesday, June 15 the student body and staff of Cottage Lane were treated to a preview of the Spring Concert to be given by the performing music students from Cottage Lane's 4th & 5th grades.

The program featured the String Orchestra of 105 students, led by Mr. Jonathan Rossi and Matthew Rotjan, the Symphonic Band of approximately 95 4th graders, led by Mr. William Hughes, a 55 member Concert Band led by Mr. Charles Yassky and the debut of the 44 member Cottage Lane 5th grade Chorus, led by Mrs. Lisa Kahn.

All instrumental students participate in weekly lessons and weekly rehearsals in preparation for this concert, which also took place at South Orangetown Middle School that evening.

The music staff at Cottage Lane wishes a great summer to all their students and their families and looks forward to seeing them next year either back at Cottage Lane, or at SOMS as they continue their musical journey through our music program at SOCSD.

SOCSD Music Students Participate In All-County Festival

The much awaited, long delayed RCMEA (Rockland County Music Educators Association) Intermediate All-County Music Festival finally took place on Saturday April 24, at Nanuet HS, after having been cancelled due to a February snowstorm. The change of date and venue allowed the Festival to be completed without a snag. South Orangetown CSD students participated in all three concerts. Seven students played as part of the orchestra, nine students participated with the band, and seven took part as members of the chorus. Music students in grades 4 - 6 in all districts of the County are eligible to play in the Intermediate All-County Festival. Selection is by audition at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Festival generally held in May of the previous year.

Cottage Lane Cello Students Visit the Esplanade at Palisades

On Tuesday, April 27, residents at The Esplanade at Palisades, in Palisades, NY enjoyed an evening of music provided by three cellists from Mr. Matt Rotjan’s music class at Cottage Lane Elementary. Elinor G., Jenna L., and Andrea K. played as a small group, performing ensemble arrangements, including French Folk Song, Song of the Wind, Allegro, May Song, and O Come, Little Children. "It was a beautiful evening and great to be out in the community sharing music!" said Rotjan.

SOMS Music Department Field Trip a Huge Success!

186 students enjoyed a production of “42nd Street” at the Westchester Broadway Theatre this February. Representing the major performing ensembles of SOMS, students witnessed the spectacles of live professional and high-quality acting, dancing, music, lighting, and set design... many for the first time! Our students were commended by theater administration and staff, actors/actresses, and several additional parties in attendance for their outstanding behavior and enthusiasm. Many thanks to the SOCSD community for supporting our students and Music Department!

Students Share Music Appreciation at TZE & CL

Students at Tappan Zee Elementary and Cottage Lane Elementary Schools were treated to an exciting program of music, including short demonstrations and explanations about musical instruments this January. Led by music teacher Mr. Charles Yassky, community members, SOCSD staff and students, joined by New York’s finest musicians from Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, US Service Bands, Major Symphony Orchestras, Woody Herman, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton Jazz Bands and Broadway performed for the students.

SOCSD Hits a High Note at Junior All-County Music Festival

The South Orangetown Central School District was well represented at the Annual Junior All-County Music Festival held at the Fieldstone Secondary School in Thiells on January 8th and 9th. A total of 42 band, chorus and orchestra students in grades 7, 8 and 9 were selected to participate based on their New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) scores earned in solo competition last spring. The festival was hosted by the Rockland County Music Educators Association (RCMEA) which is made up of 160 teacher/members from public and private schools in Rockland County. The RCMEA's mission is to foster and promote music in the schools of Rockland County and to advocate the educational value of music through program opportunities.

Students were put through an arduous rehearsal schedule beginning on Friday from 4pm until 8 pm, returning Saturday morning at 8:45am, and continuing until concert time at 4 pm. The orchestra took to the stage first, followed by the chorus, with the band closing the festivities.

During the festivals, students are given the opportunity to interact with other students from all other school districts in the County, sharing their love of music in their individual instrument of choice.
 

SOMS Music Fundraiser
Music students worked together to pull off an amazing pie sale this year. Around 1,000 pies were sold as a fundraiser for the SOMS Music Department, contributing funds towards the annual trip.

Thank you to all students in band, orchestra, and chorus, who helped with this fundraiser, and to all parents and community members for your encouragement and support of music in our schools!