Hart Musicians Enjoy the Big Apple

Special thanks to parent Parimal Zaveri for these great daily blogs from New York City. Hart’s seventh- and eighth-grade band students performed at Carnegie Hall and are enjoying the sites of the big city.

“Another hectic and fun-filled day. Late Thursday night, Mr. A (band director Dennis Aquilina) and others asked the students if they preferred a bit more sleep (Friday morning) instead of the Early Show. They unanimously chose sleep -- hence the decision to drop the CBS Studios from the Friday morning itinerary. Excellent idea, in my humble opinion.

We went straight to Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square for a full buffet breakfast, with some granola bar-type snacks to sustain us until then. Breakfast was good. The Hard Rock Cafe is huge!

We got a group picture taken across the street on the triangular traffic island in Times Square called Military Island. Then off to the (music) clinic, which many of the students were raving about.

Lunch (pre-ordered sandwiches) was eaten on the buses on the way to Lehman College for the jazz band’s performance. It was awesome. They really rocked!! They played solo, along with the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music band. The last number was with them as well as the String Beans. The half hour String Beans concert just before the finale was superb.

Dinner at Carmine’s famly-style Italian restaurant was really good, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the Broadway music, Hairspray!

Posted March 29, 2008