Even in a stark, unappealing rehearsal space filled with metal folding chairs, instrument cases, music stands, and an assortment of other musical related items, strains of music resound – three potent voices rising up in haunting harmony as piano, drums, flute, and bass guitar build beneath them.
Outside in the hall, students, teachers, and others rush to other engagements in the ritual of extracurricular activities that fill Bayonne High School most days after school.
If any take notice to the magic going on inside this room, they show no sign. Tim Craig – who has been director of music for the school district for the last five months – stands in one corner of the room, his face awash with awe. Six very special students are making a dream of his become real.
“It was Mr. Craig’s idea to change the event to help raise money for the student scholarships.” — Serge Puchinksy
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Along Jeff McKeon (bass), Andrea D’Agostino (flute), and Sean Gallagher (drums), the room fills with a melodic tension that only hints of what they will bring to the stage on April 8 when they get to perform it in front of an audience.
In the past, the Bayonne Arts and Music Student, Faculty, and Alumni Scholarship Recital was something of a class reunion as alumni, teachers, and students gathered and performed with no set agenda.
As newly named musical director, Craig wanted to make this night something to remember, a showcase for the six students who will be honored at the end of the year for their abilities in music while providing a venue that would allow the public to help raise money for their scholarships.
Making the event even more special is the fact that baritone Gilberto Gómez, an alumnus of Bayonne High School, will be returning to help take part in the performances. Gómez’s dramatic work includes performances with the Paper Mill Playhouse, Spoleto Opera Festival, and the Bard Music Festival, among many others. He has performed with major orchestras internationally, among them the New York Philharmonic. In 2005, he toured with artists Andrea Bocelli and Denyce Graves. He made his debut with the New York City Musical Theater Festival this fall, playing the lead in the new musical “Fairytale.”
“It was Mr. Craig’s idea to change the event to help raise money for the student scholarships,” said BHS Band Director and Instrumental Music Department Chair Serge Puchinksy, who will be conducting the Student, Faculty, and Alumni Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble.
“These are the best of the best in our music department,” Craig said. “We wanted to give them a platform that would allow them to showcase their talents.”
Indeed, their abilities are evident as they easily pick up the new tune and begin to weave each element together.
Tara O’Donnell, who will be attending Point Park next year to study musical theater, has selected an Etta James classic blues/jazz song, “At Last,” to show off her voice.
Anna Petrillo, who will be attending the University of Arts in Philadelphia to study vocal performance, has selected another classic, “Over the Rainbow,” as her solo showcase song, but will be performing with the others, as well.
“We were given the music to learn on our own,” she said, saying that the challenging part of the performance for her will be the “scat singing” she’ll be required to do for one song.
David Ortiz, meanwhile, has gone in a slightly different direction in choosing the Ray Charles classic “Georgia.”
“I wanted a different kind of challenge,” he said. “I want to see how well I can perform it.”
Unlike his fellow singers, Ortiz will not be pursuing a career in performing arts when he enters Montclair State University next fall. He will be most likely studying the sciences.
The annual recital, to be held at Bayonne High School in the Alexander X. O’Connor Auditorium, will feature high school music student scholarship recipients, Bayonne Public Schools music faculty, and acclaimed baritone Gilberto Gomez.
To “Sponsor-a-Graduate,” place an ad in the program, or to purchase tickets, contact Tim Craig, acting director of art and music, by calling (201) 243-1119, or by emailing BAMdept@gmail.com. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors.