School of Rock Pumps up
Jack Abrams School
Some clubs come and go but the School of Rock at Jack Abrams School seems to be an institution. Year-after-year budding singers and musicians join to explore the world of music after school. The club recently staged a series of well-received concerts to close out what all agree was another successful campaign.
The concerts entertained classmates, faculty and parents. At daytime and evening performances, the youngsters had an opportunity to show just how far they’ve come, individually and collectively. The music rocked the school auditorium and left fellow students feeling pumped.
The club was created by teacher Paul Esposito, who together with assistant Mike Macolino, worked for months with this year’s club members to teach, tutor and refine the youngster’s skills.
The band, which goes by the name CASTAWAY, featured Matthew Sgrizzi (guitar), Dylan DelGuidice (guitar), Kyle O’Brien (keyboards), Jack Malone (bass clarinet/percussion), Page Montecalvo (drums), Jackson Spector (drums), Vinnie Fredericks (bass clarinet), Nancy Brill (trombone), AJ Swicicki (trumpet), Taylor Moreno (drums/percussion) and Hallie Raskin (French horn).
Singers included Gabriel Quesquen, Holly Grabowski, Julia Macedonio, Jessie Velasquez, Jawan Coperidge, Kenny Charles, Savannah Richardson, Ashley Herkommer, Jessy Andrade, Jennifer Arevalo, Jamia Coperidge and Landary Rivas.
“Regardless of how the kids sound before the shows, they always rise to the occasion for their best performances on show day,” said Mr. Esposito, the club’s founder. “They seem to feed off of the adulation of their peers and teachers. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t get that same feeling when I am singing for our students. It’s quite a rush. Both the singers and I love to go out into the crowd with the wireless mic and get up close with the audience.”
The concert series energized the band members and the audience, too. The always popular Mr. E. Street Band, which features Mr. Esposito as its front man performed a short set in the afternoon before CASTAWAY took the stage. The adult band, consisting mainly of parents, included Matt Raskin (trumpet), Adam Spector (keyboards), Tony Barca (guitar), Julianna Barca (bass guitar), Mike Nugent (guitar), Mitch Malle (drums), Mr. Macolino (guitar) and fourth grade teacher Jim Lauter, who was a guest vocalist.
The adult band opened the afternoon show with a four song set, including two songs by Green Day, as well as Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” and “Hey Jude” by The Beatles. Its powerful rock sounds thrilled the students filling the auditorium.
While the School of Rock is considered Mr. Esposito’s baby, he’s always open to innovations. Mr. Macolino is in his second year as club’s assistant faculty advisor and his help has been integral to the group’s success.
CASTAWAY played a seven song set, including the “School of Rock Song,” which the students co-wrote with Mr. Macolino at the club’s first meeting. The youngsters closed out the concert with a sharp version of “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon.
This year every member of the club pitched in to help. For example, drummer Page Montecalvo’s basic idea of a desert island with musicians and palm trees was used for the t-shirt logo.
The eight year old club has evolved over time to include the parents’ band, as well as an evening concert. This year’s night show featured CASTAWAY, as well as Mr. Esposito’s band, SLINGSHOT and a short acoustic set by Mr. Macolino and Mr. Esposito.
Jack Abrams School sixth grader Stephanie Powers’ uncle, a sound engineer, generously donated the time and services of his company, PCA Audio to provide a professional sound system, equipment and recording of the evening show. The production raised over $300 for new instruments and equipment for next year’s School of Rock club.
Who knows what next year holds for the School of Rock? But, the club seems to have plenty of staying power with a steady pipeline of members who are eager to challenge themselves musically and take to the stage to perform.
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