Talking music

The Souza Scholarship for the Performing Arts and The Monroe-Woodbury Music Boosters will co-present the 30th annual Monroe-Woodbury Faculty and Friends Recital in the Monroe-Woodbury High School Auditorium on Saturday at 3 p.m.

The Photo News reached out to event emcee Christopher Taborksy, District Music Coordinator, for background on the recital, the music department and support for music education at M-W.

PN: How long have you been the teaching in Monroe-Woodbury, how long as District Music Coordinator, and where did you get your musical training?

CT: I began my career at Pine Tree School as an elementary band director in 2005. Eight years later, I moved into the Middle School; it was there that I gained the experience of running multiple ensembles and working with more members of the department. In January 2018, I became District Music Coordinator; since then, I have worked with all members of the M-W music department. My Bachelor of Music is from Fredonia State, and my Master of Music is from the Hartt School (University of Hartford).

PN: What is the significance of this annual Music Faculty and Friends Concert?

CT: The concert has been a staple in the music department's calendar since long before I arrived in M-W. It gives our talented staff a venue in which to perform, while providing students and the community with an evening to enjoy. When students see their teachers perform, it inspires them to be the best young musicians they can be.

PN: How much does the sponsorship from the Music Boosters and the Souza Scholarship mean to you and the music faculty and its students?

CT: This event would not be possible without the support of the Music Boosters and Souza Scholarship. These organizations have been co-presenting the Faculty and Friends Concert for years. The thousands of dollars that have been awarded in the form of scholarships, combined with the support of various events and musical presentations, are some of the ways that Souza and Music Boosters support our students.

PN: The district’s music program has received many honors over the years, and its students and musical groups continue to achieve at the highest levels. Would you like to comment on the continuing history of excellence of the M-W music program?

CT: Our teachers work hard every day for the benefit of our students and the music program. The success of the program begins with the foundational skills taught by our general music staff beginning in kindergarten and continues through high school. This was evident in the spring, when the High School Voice Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble performed at the WorldStrides Heritage Festival music competition outside Boston. Competing against schools from around the northeast and Canada, our three ensembles earned the highest ratings, as well as first place, in each of their respective categories. Further, the Monroe-Woodbury community was recognized by the NAMM Foundation for outstanding support of music education, recognized for the eighth year in a row as a “Best Community for Music Education.”

PN: How many music faculty members will be taking part in this Saturday's concert?

CT: Sixteen music teachers will perform on Saturday, along with staff members from other departments and several community members!

PN: Can you “preview” some of this recital’s highlights?

CT: Whether you prefer classical music, jazz standards, showtunes, or rock'n'roll, this concert has something for everyone. Composers featured range from Bernstein to Holst to the Rolling Stones. There will be vocal numbers, string ensembles, brass and woodwind groups, and the Community Chorale will close out the evening.

The best aspect of the Faculty and Friends Concert is that 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Souza and Music Booster scholarship funds. We very much look forward to being able to perform for our students and community on Saturday. All are invited.

Tickets for the concert, available at the door, will be $12 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Direct any questions to the M-W Music Department at 460-6200 ext. 6202.