Elevate Entertains Crowds at
Woodhull School
The Woodhull Intermediate School gym was rocking last week with performances by Elevate, this year’s School of Rock club band. Students and teachers were entertained during the school day while the band played an evening gig for parents and family members.
“We had many talented student musicians with us this year,” said Paul Esposito, a Woodhull teacher who serves as the School of Rock’s faculty advisor. “We met once a week and learned this year’s songs, rehearsed and improved our musical skills while having lots of fun.”
The set list included “We Will Rock You” by Queen, “Good Lovin’,” originally written for The Young Rascals in 1966 and later performed by The Rascals, “I’m A Believer” by the Monkees/Neil Diamond, “Hey Jude” by The Beatles, “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival and “Elevate,” which was written by Diya Rai Gersappe, Chris Bavaro and Paul Esposito.
The band was comprised of Analia Jimenez (bass guitar), John Segreti (keyboards), Diya Rai Gersappe (keyboards), Josie Fasolino (guitar), Chris Bavaro (guitar), Emerson Forbes (drums), Brandon Varady (trumpet), Nathan Musso (trumpet), School of Rock alum Teddy Holly (lead guitar) and singers Robert Jean-Gilles, Molly Kessler, Madison Lange, Rory Dara, Keenan Lyons, Jai-La Bush, Brigid Hannon and Phil Wilson. Parent Mark Dara assisted Mr. Esposito with the band and also played bass guitar.
Prior to the start of Elevate’s concert, The Mr. ‘E’ Street Band performed a short set. Mr. Esposito handled vocals while Christian Briggs (day concert) and John Rodriquez (night concert) played guitar, Mark Dara performed on bass, Rob Lindner was the drummer and Billy Joel Tribute Band member David Clark was the guest pianist.
Audience members sang along with the band and some even stood and danced. Elevate sounded impressive and its vocalists navigated through some challenging lyrics. The band knew the music and never struggled.
“The band looks forward to the concerts all year,” Mr. Esposito said. “The group came together nicely. We had a good mix of musicians.” Many band members were standouts, including drummer Emerson Forbes, who was nothing short of sensational. The band also wore personalized t-shirts with the Elevate logo created by Peter Ciccone, a local businessman. The band name was created by group members, Madison Lange and Molly Kessler.
Mr. Esposito thanked Delta Impressions, which produced the band’s shirts, Briggs Music and “many local businesses” for supporting the band.
To get involved in next year’s School of Rock, see Mr. Esposito at Woodhull or send him a message at pesposito@hufsd.edu.