The York School 2024/25 Year in Review - Music at York: Music, history and culture in Puerto Rico

The goal of The York School’s IB Music program is to foster a lifelong appreciation for music in its many forms. Students from JK to Grade 12 embrace meaningful opportunities to develop their vocal and instrumental skills, explore the connections between music and identity, immerse themselves in cross-cultural learning, and perform for their family members and friends. 

We’re excited to share some of the unique-to-York learning experiences that our passionate faculty members led during the 2024-25 school year.
Grade 9 to 12 students immersed themselves in Puerto Rico’s history, music, culture and natural beauty during The York School’s first music trip to the American territory in February. To prepare for their adventure, the students learned about the origins and features of a variety of Puerto Rican musical styles, including Bomba, plena, salsa, reggaetón, Latin trap and jazz, and pop. They also formed The York School Puerto Rico Ensemble. Under the direction of their teachers Mr. Pittman, Mr. MacFarlane and Mr. Biagarelli, the students spent hours rehearsing a repertoire of Puerto Rican and Canadian pieces, as well as traditional band arrangements, to perform during the trip.

In San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital city, the students participated in performance workshops led by Dr. Nitai Pons Pèrez (a trumpet professor at the Conservatorio de Musica de Puerto Rico) and Professor Rubén Amador (a percussionist and professor at Berklee College of Music’s Puerto Rico campus). Dr. Pons helped the students elevate their performance by teaching best practices for instrumental technique, breathing and tuning. Professor Amador worked with the students on their salsa pieces, providing expert advice on improvisation, percussion and articulating certain notes.

Another highlight of the trip was meeting local music students during performance exchanges at two high schools. Students and faculty at Robinson School (San Juan’s only IB school) and University High School welcomed York students and faculty with open arms. During the visits, students took turns performing for each other. The music acted as an icebreaker, and when the students had opportunities to chat with their peers, the conversations and laughter flowed freely.
 
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