NJMEA 6-12 Grade String Academy and HS Band Academy - Libby Gopal

The goal of the NJMEA 6-12th Grade String Academy and HS Band Academy, a Music Advocacy Grant Initiative, was to empower students through a positive and meaningful ensemble experience. Through this free inclusive and equitable event, our goal was to help prepare our string and band students for successful auditions, whether it was for their local community orchestra or band, Regions, All-State, or college auditions. Christine Sweet (strings) and Lawrence Liggins (band) graciously hosted the event at Arts High School in Newark, NJ.

The 6-12th Grade String Academy had 56 string students and 9 teachers from 8 different schools from Central and North Jersey present: Passaic Gifted and Talented Academy, New Brunswick High School, West Essex Regional School District, Passaic High School, Melvin H. Kreps Middle School, Arts High School, Brooklawn Middle School, and Woodrow Wilson Middle School. The guest clinician, Martha Mooke, from NJCU along with her graduate assistants demonstrated how to perform electric and multi-style strings. Thanks to the hard work of Larisa Skinner and Arvin Gopal, the students were able to attend a variety of sessions ranging from Audition Tips and Tricks to practicing scales, sightreading skills, and exploring repertoire.

The HS Band Academy had 41 students and 5 teachers from 5 different schools from Central and North Jersey present: New Brunswick High School, Cicely Tyson Performing Arts High School, Whitney Houston Academy, Arts High School, and Plainfield High School. The guest clinician, Dr. Oscar Petty Jr., planned a wonderful day of sight-reading accessible band repertoire that highlighted underrepresented men and women composers.

On Saturday, January 14, NJMEA and NJ-ACDA will partner to offer the Elementary/Middle School/High School Choir Academy at Rutgers University. This urban outreach advocacy initiative is focused on removing barriers for students who are interested in participating in any New Jersey Honors Choral Ensemble. For more information or to register for this free event, please email Libby Gopal at lgopal[at]ewrsd.k12.nj.us