Trinity presents 20th annual Eighth Grade Concert Experience
Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter
Joyce Ellis leads a dance workshop during Trinity Middle School’s Eighth Grade Concert Experience Thursday. Ellis has been a part of the event since its inception in 1999.
Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter
Erik Kerr, a 1987 Trinity graduate, collaborated with students to write a song during their session.
When Mark Davis was 14 years old, a concert ticket for a popular musical act, like Bill Haley and the Comets, was $2 to $3.50.
Today, a ticket to, say, a Taylor Swift concert – with a seat in the nosebleed section – is at least $70.
“The price of a concert is ridiculous,” said Davis. “Kids need to be exposed to more live music and they can’t afford it.”
Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter
Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter
Yesterday’s Moments perform “Stay” by Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs. Mark Davis, right, retired Trinity educator, founded the concert experience in 1999.
Students were treated to several free, live performances during the 20th Annual Trinity Middle School Eighth Grade Concert Experience Thursday.
The event, started by Davis when he taught in 1999, and continued by current band director and teacher Gordon Lowry, featured musicians with local ties, including Davis, who performs with Kelly Ann as Yesterday’s Moments, Patti Spadaro, Aaron Margaria, Erik Kerr and the Tony Janflone Jr. Band.
In addition, LeMoyne Community Center Executive Director Joyce Ellis, who has participated in the experience since its inception, taught students a dance, and Sgt. Dean Urbanic of the North Franklin Township police department talked about underage drinking, driving under the influence and staying safe during concerts.
“It’s just a really neat experience,” said Lowry. “There’s nothing else like this.”
Eighth-graders were divided into groups and rotated through six sessions.
Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter
Natalie Reid Miller/O-R
Teacher Melissa Opalanko helps student Emily Morris, who wears goggles that simulate drinking alcohol while trying to walk a straight line.
The goggles were provided by the North Franklin Township police department. Student Desyre McDougan-McCombs looks on.
Kerr, a 1987 Trinity graduate, has been participating for about 10 years. In addition to giving a drum demonstration, he wrote a piece of music with each of the groups and talked about his experience as a musician.
“Music might not be your thing. Maybe you’re a science person,” he said. “Whatever it is that lights you up … I encourage you to continue to learn and grow.”
Spadaro, who has children enrolled in the district, played electric guitar and sang “Price Tag.”
Margaria, a country singer currently recording an album, has a farm in Avella. His mother, Kathy, is the physical education teacher at Trinity Middle.
Margaria encouraged students to sing along to “That Way,” a song he wrote about his wife.
“Have at it,” he said. “This is the loudest you’re going to get to be in the library.”
Davis told students that when they see live music, they should show their enthusiasm.
“Don’t take musicians for granted,” he said. “They live for the applause.”
Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter
Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter
Avella resident and country singer Aaron Margaria performs in the Trinity Middle Schol library.
Students had the opportunity to show their appreciation, when, after a tailgate lunch, the Tony Janflone Jr. Band took the stage.
Students had to reserve their free seats on a website created by Lowry. Those earning straight A’s on their report cards so far this year could pick a friend to join them in the front VIP section.
During the concert, Janflone and his bandmates, Gina Collis and Kevin DeRose, were joined by Lowry and John Romano – all Trinity graduates – and Trinity High School Band Director Dan Hilty for a number.
“(Janflone) is one of the greatest guitarists you’ll ever hear,” said Lowry. “He’s super positive and gives the kids a great experience.”
The event is funded by the school’s PTA.
Courtesy of Gordon Lowry
Courtesy of Gordon Lowry
The Tony Janflone Jr. Band with special guests