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Instruments Come to Life at Ponte Vedra Beach Campus
On Friday, May 9, the fifth grade students at the lower school Ponte Vedra Beach Campus were treated to a live demonstration of various band instruments. Don Zentz, upper school band director and Fine & Performing Arts chair, provided a wide array of sights and sounds from the woodwind family. Zentz brought with him two of his professional musician friends to present brass family instruments. Tim Ornato is a retired Navy musician who currently serves as the brass specialist for Buffet Crampon Musical Instrument Company. J.B. Scott is professor of trumpet and jazz studies at the University of North Florida where he also directs the award winning UNF Jazz Ensemble.
On hand were a trombone, baritone, euphonium, trumpet, flute, clarinet, and saxophone. Students were enthralled with the different characteristics of each instrument. The demonstration included in-depth descriptions of each instrument, their histories, and how each produces its unique sound. The students were also treated to a performance by Zentz, Ornato, and Scott of jazz tunes showcasing the range and tonalities of each instrument. The students enjoyed watching a video clip of the opening piece from a recent upper school band concert as well.
Last quarter, the fifth graders were able to participate in the Instrument Zoo along with lower school music director Andrea Duke. Friday's demonstration was another great way to expose them to a live experience with instruments, and to see a sampling of the opportunities that await them in the Fine Arts at the middle school Bartram Campus as sixth graders.
