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Schools

Young Bloomfield Artists, Actors and Musicians Thrive In Summer Workshop

The Bloomfield Summer Arts Workshop drew 164 students interested in choir, instrumental music, drama, painting, sculpture and photography

The rumbling of snare drums and the jazz stylings of a choir were just some of the sweet sounds being made by students over at Bloomfield Middle School.
A total of 164 students in fifth-grade through high school have been getting an artistic education over the past month through the Bloomfield school district's summer arts workshop.
In addition to music, the students also have the option of studying drama, sculpture, painting and photography.
The summer workshop has held five daytime recitals and performed a dinner show called "Macaroni & Music," said Juan Leonardo, supervisor of fine, visual and performing arts.
The workshop's final show - a piano recital, concert and art expose - will be held 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the middle school, 60 Huck Road. The event is free and open to the public.
The goal of the summer workshop is to help students gain more experience in the arts and performing on a stage.
"We want them to develop self-esteem and a sense of fellowship," Leonardo said.
Leonardo also added he's been amazed by the strength of all the young performers.
"The quality that the students display - it's unbelievable for three weeks of work," he said.
Tuition for the summer program varies from $135 to $190 per student, depending on the number of classes taken. Leonardo said the program has been self-sustaining, financially, and some students have received scholarships through their local home and school associations and teacher donations.
For many of the students, the summer program is one way they can brush up on their artistic skills and pick up new techniques.
Rafael Ruiz, 14, an upcoming high school sophomore, said he's learned how to sing harmony parts in choir. Some of the songs he's enjoyed performing a cappella with the men's choir include Billy Joel's "For the Longest Time" and Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girls."
Melissa Marte, 11, an upcoming sixth-grader, said she loves her violin and choir classes. Her favorite new performance pieces include "The Sound of Shoe" and "Old King Cole."
"I like the people here, the fun, and how everyone gets along so well," she said.
Older sister, Carolina Marte, 13, said she's enjoyed her violin and choir lessons "because you can see what your friends accomplish and get better."
Her favorite song from choir was "Seasons of Love," from the musical Rent.
Choral music and drama teacher Jan Wilgenkamp said he's been impressed by the students and the program's transition to new leadership under Leonardo has been "seamless." Leonardo took over running the summer program from John Pierce, who became an assistant principal at Bloomfield High School.
"It's an amazing, fun place to work," Wilgenkamp said. "The kids are great and the faculty is a hoot."

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