Bay Ridge
Along with a rigorous course agenda for students in grades six through 12, and a successful athletic program, Xaverian has added additional harpists to its music program. Xaverian’s Concert Band is the “official band of Bay Ridge” and its Senior Jazz Band has traveled to Japan to perform and participate in a cultural exchange.
Xaverian’s young musicians have performed for two sitting presidents, two sitting Popes (including Pope Francis’s recent visit to the city), and countless local politicians and community leaders. The program offers students an unparalleled selection of performing groups and music theory classes, including three symphonic bands, two jazz bands, three string orchestras, two guitar ensembles, and two concert choirs. In addition to a pop chorus, there is a liturgical choir, a pipe and drum corps, a pep band, a barbershop quartet, a pit orchestra, a rock band, and harp ensembles.
Due to high student demand, there are now three harp ensembles at Xaverian. At the start of the 2015–2016 school year, there were a total of 20 harp students in grades six through 12, divided into a high-school ensemble, a middle school ensemble (known as the Genesis Harp Ensemble), and a beginner ensemble for both middle- and high-school students. The ever-growing harp program currently possesses two pedal harps and a veritable fleet of lever harps.
In addition to the regular winter and spring concerts at the school, the harpists perform throughout the area at churches, nursing homes, and even at the end of parade routes. This year the Xaverian Harp Ensemble will perform as an instrumental group at the Diocese of Brooklyn Choral Festival.
Robert Randazzo ’08, the current ensemble director, began playing the harp when he was a senior at Xaverian. The ensemble continues to be an important institution within the school, and a valuable source of enrichment for students.
Xaverian High School and Middle School [7100 Shore Rd. at 71st Street in Bay Ridge, (718) 836–7100].
Gravesend
Toys, toys and more toys
Assemblyman William Colton (D-Gravesend) has partnered with the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
For the past several years the representative has established toy drives to make the holidays better for needy children, including military families. This year’s drive runs until Dec. 23.
“Toys for Tots is a program that really brings out the meaning of the holiday season,” said the assemblyman. “Every donation reaches out to a child in need who can truly experience the holiday spirit.”
Colton is calling upon the community to participate in the program.
“By making a small contribution of toys we not only make the holidays better for needy children, but we all have the satisfaction of doing something good and we help to unite us all in working together for a better neighborhood,” he added.
For information, contact Nancy Tong at the district office.
Assemblyman William Colton’s district office [155 Kings Hwy. between W. 11th and W. 12th streets in Gravesend, (718) 236–1598].