One Brooklyn
May 26, 2016
BROOKLYN, NY, May 26, 2016: Yesterday, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams kicked off his 2016 School Lunchtime Concert Series, with performances by students from the drumline, majorettes, and step team at PS 184 Newport in Brownsville. This third annual run of shows is sponsored by Investors Bank, One Brooklyn Fund, Inc., and Subway. Borough President Adams congratulated all of the participating students and spoke about how he wants the series to continue demonstrating the value of arts and music programs in public schools.
“Just as with solving a difficult math problem or completing a science experiment, performing songs and creating art develops confidence in young men and women,” said Borough President Adams. “Students who participate in music and arts programs perform better in all of their classes and complete high school and college at higher rates. As performers on the ‘stage’ of Downtown Brooklyn, these students will have an opportunity to build confidence in their abilities and delight audiences who come by to listen to their excellent performances.”
“We are proud to support the School Lunchtime Concert Series,” said Ana Oliveira, senior vice president and regional manager for Investors Bank. “The arts play an important role in a well-rounded education, so we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Borough President Adams on this initiative. We wish the best of luck to all the performers and hope everyone has a great time at the shows.”
“We thank Borough President Adams for including Subway in the School Lunchtime Concert Series,” said Daryl Meyers, development agent for Subway. “We are always so happy and proud to work with the Borough President Adams’ office on such events. I had an opportunity to watch the kids for a few moments while I was there yesterday and it sure looked like they were having a great time. I hope they enjoyed the boxed lunches we provided.”
For the next three Wednesdays, the free concerts will be held in front of Brooklyn Borough Hall in Downtown Brooklyn starting at noon. On Wednesday, June 1st, students from IS 384 Frances E. Carter in Bushwick, MS 266 Park Place Community Middle School in Bedford-Stuyvesant, PS 149 Danny Kaye in East New York, and PS 84 José De Diego in Williamsburg will perform. Students from IS 303 Herbert S. Eisenberg in Coney Island, IS 392 School for the Gifted and Talented in Brownsville, PS 38 The Pacific in Boerum Hill, and IS 98 Bay Academy in Sheepshead Bay will play on Wednesday, June 8th. The series will wrap up when students from MS 113 Ronald Edmonds Learning Center in Fort Greene, and MS 51 William Alexander Middle School in Park Slope all perform on Wednesday, June 15th.
“Lunchtime School Concert Series is a unique opportunity for young people to share with the public their talents,” said Leslie Alston, a dance teacher at MS 113 Ronald Edmonds Learning Center. “It’s also an opportunity for people to see a sample of the arts in our public schools.”
“IS 303 prides itself in promoting the arts,” said Carmen N. Amador, principal at IS 303 Herbert S. Eisenberg. “Our renditions will helpfully inspire you to think and feel about how our music and dances can set you free.”
“The William Alexander Middle School Show Choir has performed at various places in New York City as well as California, Boston, Florida, and more,” said Sarah Biano, a music teacher at MS 51 William Alexander. “The students not only enjoy developing their musical abilities together but creating lasting friendships through performance!”
“PS 38 is so excited to attend our first School Lunchtime Concert Series,” said Laura Chzaszcz, a music teacher at PS 38 The Pacific. “The students are thrilled to have the opportunity to perform for an audience outside their immediate school community.”
“We are honored and excited to have been provided with this opportunity,” said Lisa Caldwell Linder, principal of PS 184 Newport. “Borough President Adams’ focus on the talent of the youth in Brooklyn is to be commended. The School Lunchtime Concert Series has allowed the students at PS 184 a greater sense of pride to be recognized via this venue.”
“The concert for Borough President Adams allows our middle school students at IS 392 the opportunity to showcase their creativity and unique talents thorough dance taught by professional teaching artist,” said Mary Ann Gaston, site director at IS 392 School for the Gifted and Talented.
“The School Lunchtime Concert Series is an outstanding platform to showcase thriving music and arts programs in New York City public schools, while allowing our extremely talented students to express themselves artistically and creatively,” said Will Mosley, a music teacher at PS 149 Danny Kaye.
“Park Place Community Middle School is so excited to be part of the School Lunchtime Concert Series for the second year in a row!” said Catherine Plichta, a music teacher at MS 266 Park Place Community Middle School. “Every single child in our school has the opportunity to learn and master at least one musical instrument and performance opportunities like this one allow their talent, hard work, and dedication to be showcased and shared with the community.”
“We are thankful to Borough President Adams and his staff for their recognition of children with disabilities and advocating on behalf of their special needs,” said Donna Ricciardi, an art liaison at IS 384 Frances E. Carter. “Borough President Adams has not only included our students in his Lunchtime School Concert Series, but he has also generously appropriated capital funding for a sensory room at one of our program sites.”
“PS 84 José de Diego has been participating in the School Lunchtime Concert Series at Brooklyn Borough Hall for years,” said Sereida S. Rodriguez-Guerra, principal at PS 84 José de Diego. “It is always exciting for our Glee Club students to share their talent at such a unique venue.”
PHOTOS
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams kicked off his 2016 School Lunchtime Concert Series at Brooklyn Borough Hall with performances by students from the drumline, majorettes, and step team at PS 184 Newport in Brownsville.
Photo Credit: Erica Sherman/Brooklyn BP’s Office
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