Music Buddy Day Returns for Part 2
OBEN’s new Music Buddy Day series continued Feb. 11 with its second installment, and by all accounts, it was a resounding success.
In a joint rehearsal held at OBMHS, sixth grade musicians from Vernon were paired side by side with their seventh and eighth grade counterparts in both band and orchestra. The concept is simple but meaningful: each younger student sits next to an older buddy – someone they'll be making music alongside next year – building familiarity, confidence and connection well before the middle school transition arrives.
Across both ensembles, students shared play and share pieces from their own repertoire, listened and offered support to their partners and ultimately combined forces to perform selections each group had prepared in their regular rehearsals. The result was something greater than the sum of its parts.
The sound filling the room – in both the band and orchestra spaces – was focused, joyful, and, by every account, incredible. That's what a strong music pipeline looks and sounds like in action.
A special thank you goes to the music educators who brought the day to life: Ms. Macy (6th grade band), Ms. Muller Pinnola (5/6th grade orchestra), and Mr. Giannetta (middle level band & orchestra).
The series isn't over yet. Part 3 will bring together choirs in grades 5 through 12 for the district's Cavalcade of Choirs – and anticipation is already building!