Fort Hamilton’s auditorium burst with music during this year’s Instrumental Music Night on June 7th, 2024.
The show featured student and staff performances from bands like The Shaboingboings and Chicken Caesar Salad, alongside the String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble.
With the array of groups performing, there were many different types of music played throughout the evening. Ranging from jazz classics like “Sugar Hill Penthouse” by Duke Ellington to “Hotel California” by The Eagles to “Allegro Molto” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the performance held something for everyone in the audience to enjoy.
One surprise during the performance was when Mr. Stern, Orchestra Director, brought both orchestras and 45 students from the beginner strings classes together to play “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne. The stage was filled with 100 student musicians as they played alongside Mr. Stern and Mr. Azzara conducted.
As the setlist came together for Instrumental Music Night, the students performing played a major role in the planning of the performance.
“People may not know that Mr. Stern includes the orchestra in decision-making, whether it’s a suggestion for a piece or putting together the concert programs,” said senior Mariarosa Sessa, Principal Cellist for the Fort Hamilton Symphony Orchestra. “Overall, it’s a very collaborative environment, and I’m very proud of my classmates and what we achieved this year.”
During the Jazz Ensemble’s performance, they brought in student vocalists to help bring songs such as “Blue Skies” and “Girl From Ipanema” to life completely. Many of these students are a part of Fort Hamilton’s Drama Academy or vocal program and had to audition for their roles.
“Last year, while in treble chorus, Ms. Martinez announced that they were opening up auditions for jazz vocalists,” said Anasimone Nagdy, the senior vocalist who sang “Sway.” “I love the idea of jazz and the art is so beautiful to me. So when I found out about those auditions, I went straight to that sheet music and practiced till the very day of the audition.”
Whether as a part of the orchestras or as accompanying vocalists, this performance was many students’ final one at Fort Hamilton.
“This concert was special to me since it was my last performance at Fort Hamilton,” said Sessa. “Being in the music academy for four years was an amazing experience and I think this performance was a great way to end my time playing as a senior.”
With the year ending, Instrumental Music Night was the culmination of the hard work of student and faculty musicians.