Empowering the Next Generation of Musicians: A Transformative Music Summit in Northern New York

In the heart of Northern New York, a remarkable event unfolded, where the power of music echoed through the halls of Peru High School. The second annual music summit organized by We Are Instrumental provided a unique opportunity for students from across five North Country counties to learn from some of the area's most accomplished musicians and hone their musical skills.

Unlocking the Potential of Young Talents

A Collaborative Effort to Elevate Music Education

The music summit was a collaborative effort that brought together 25 professional musicians, who generously shared their expertise with nearly 400 students. This extraordinary gathering allowed young musicians to learn from multiple teachers simultaneously, exposing them to diverse teaching styles and techniques. Joseph Ianaconi, the band teacher at Chateaugay Central School, expressed his enthusiasm, "How often do we get to have all of these professional musicians teach our kids for free? It's a great opportunity for kids to network and meet other kids who share their passion."

Bridging the Gap in Music Education

The summit addressed a significant challenge faced by many music students in the region – the limited access to high-quality, personalized instruction. Evan Mack, the executive director of We Are Instrumental, explained, "Normally, that would require multiple private lessons nearby, but the average teacher is one and a half to two hours away. We are bringing everybody here to have that experience." By centralizing the expertise of these accomplished musicians, the summit provided students with a unique opportunity to learn from the best, regardless of their geographic location.

Empowering Seasoned and Aspiring Musicians Alike

The summit catered to students at various stages of their musical journeys. Alexa Markowicz, a senior at Peru High School and a seasoned percussionist since fourth grade, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. "Since I have been playing for so long, I have really only had one teacher and have only got to see that one style of teaching. So, getting to go around and see other teachers' styles and learn new things from other people, I think that is very valuable for a person."On the other hand, the summit also welcomed musical newcomers, like Peru senior Liam Clowney, who had recently taken up the electric drum set. Clowney shared his excitement, "My brother got me an electric drumset. So, I got right into it really fast." Beyond the music, Clowney emphasized the importance of the connections he made, stating, "The personalities I have seen so far and the energy and the positivity that is circulating throughout the building right now is fantastic, and it is all embedded in the music."

A Lasting Impact on the Musical Landscape

The music summit's impact extended beyond the immediate learning experience. Evan Mack highlighted the long-term benefits, explaining that the sessions were being recorded and stored digitally, allowing the participating districts to utilize the content for future music lessons. This innovative approach ensures that the knowledge and expertise shared during the summit will continue to benefit students in the years to come.The third annual music summit is already scheduled to take place at the AuSable Valley High School next October, further solidifying the event's position as a transformative force in the region's music education landscape.