PMP Summer Program

Paterson Music Project had a wonderful summer session this July in which PMP students had the chance to continue their musical study as part of the Community Charter School of Paterson’s Summer School.  About half of our soon-to-be fourth grade students participated in the program, which met for two hours a day, four days a week during July. 

Typically, PMP students spend time during the school year taking group instrumental classes, orchestra, and musicianship class with their prospective playing level.  The summer program was a nice change of pace in which students formed chamber groups, played in orchestra, and explored rhythms in bucket ensemble with all levels combined.  The chamber groups were a fun challenge for our students.  This was the first time that they have ever played in chamber groups with multiple voices.  Some of the arrangements they played included Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Ode to Joy, and the Imperial March from Star Wars (which was of course, a PMP favorite).

It was very exciting to see such a strong NJYS/WMC presence at Paterson Music Project this summer.  We had a record number of high school mentors from NJYS work with our students nearly every day of the program.  Our students had the benefit of extra private lessons and coaching from NJYS mentors.  We also had the great pleasure of a visit from NJYS alum, Zach Hatcher.  He did a harp demo and performed on his instrument for an enthralled and inquisitive PMP audience. 

We begin our full-fledged fall semester on September 29 and expect 75 third and fourth graders to be joining us!  There is so much exciting growth and change happening at PMP.  We are looking forward to what will be a fruitful and musical year.