The fourth-annual event showcasing music and art at Byron-Bergen schools, the Buzzin’ Bistro, was held on April 28 in the Junior/Senior High School. Scores of colorful graphic designs, handmade masks, ceramics, drawings and impressive senior portfolios filled the lobby and the hallways.
In the cafeteria, a standing-room-only crowd of families, students, teachers and guests from the community eagerly gathered to bop along to talented student and teacher musical groups. Special guests, the Brockport Community Jazz Combo, were a welcome addition to the evening’s program.
The Buzzin’ Bistro Art Show featured visual arts from the Elementary and Junior/Senior High Schools. Participating art teachers Sandy Auer, Melissa Coniglio and Justine Fritz displayed the best work from their classes in a variety of media.
After viewing the artwork, the audience filled the cafeteria ready for the main event. The Buzzin’ Bistro is an opportunity for students from grades five through 12 to perform with each other in front of a community audience. They are also able to sing and play as equals alongside their music teachers and talented musicians from the local area, like the Brockport Community Jazz Combo.
The night’s program was a trip back in time to the 1970s, with music made famous by Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, the Foundations, Barry Manilow and many others.
The musical buzz began with the Grade 5-6 Jazz Choir, directed by teacher Karen Tischer, singing the Irving Berlin classic, “Blue Skies.” Teacher Robert Lancia directed both the 5-6 Percussion Ensemble, presenting a rollicking piece they called “Feed the Drummers,” and the 5-6 Jazz Band.
The 5-6 groups were joined by the Adult Jazz Choir, soloist teacher Alyson Tardy, and the dancing Byron-Bergen Bee mascot for a special version of “Respect.”
The music continued, with the Junior High Jazz Band evoking the spirit of James Bond; the Senior High Instrumental Septet; and the Singing Silhouettes, a select group of high school chorus members directed by teacher Laurence Tallman, performing “Build Me Up, Buttercup.” The highlight of the night was the extraordinary appearance by the school’s own “Blues Brothers,” who, with help from the Senior High Jazz Band and director Kevin Bleiler, stole the show with “Soul Man.”
Buzzin’ Bistro was sponsored and supported by the Byron-Bergen Music Boosters, Ralph Marsocci from McCullagh Coffee Roasters, Todd Sloat from T.S. Lighting and Sloat Tire Shop. The District would like to extend thanks to all for supporting talent at Byron-Bergen schools.
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