Newark Central School District

The early morning, weekly Kelley School Bucket Brigade practice onstage in the school auditorium was a tad bit louder May 10th than usual.

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That’s because Newark Central School District Board of Education President Julie Nevelizer, BOE Vice President Mary Thoms, Superintendent Susan Hasenauer, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Krista Lewis, Kelley School physical education teacher Ashley Stoughton, fifth grade teacher Samantha Martin and library teacher assistant Ruth Brown wanted a lesson in how to play the unique percussion instruments_ five-gallon, plastic utility buckets _ and joined the fifth grade Brigade members in a spirited and productive instructional session that began at 8:10 a.m.

Using a smart board, her own explanations and that of a couple of the Brigaders, Bucket Brigade Director Cynthia Briggs, Kelley School’s instrumental music teacher and NCSD Music Department Leader emphasized bucket drumming requires sharp focus and concentration in order to play in its distinctive, coordinated and precise fashion before instructing the adults on the basics that involve reading sheet music and making strategic hits with drum sticks to the head of the inverted bucket, the rim or the sides. Other notes are made by stick clicks or hitting the floor with the bucket.

Briggs wisely arranged seating the large circle with adults seated next to the students, many of whom they knew, to make them feel more comfortable.

The young Brigade members graciously helped the adults with questions, as needed.

Briggs, who instituted the Kelley School Bucket Brigade during the 2015-16 school year, was pleased.

She later noted that the fifth graders in group are highly committed young musicians. A requirement to become a Bucket Brigade musician is that each student must be a member of the Fifth Grade Band which practices two mornings before school begins each week. That means each of the Bucket Brigade members must come to school an hour early three mornings a week to practice, not just one.

By the end of the nearly 40-minute practice May 10th, with her mission clearly accomplished, Briggs wasn’t the only one rhythmically tapping her foot and smiling from ear to ear as everyone was happily and loudly drumming to the strains of “Sweet Home Alabama.”

At the end of the session, Bucket Brigade members said they liked having adult learners join them.

“It was really fun to teach them. I really enjoyed them being here,’’ Mackenzie Contario said.

Ellie Whitbeck simply gave the experience two thumbs up.

Likewise, Briggs later commented on how “invested” the adults were in the learning process and how well they engaged with the students. “It went really well and I appreciated them being here. I know the students had a blast.”

And judging from their reactions, so did the adult learners.

•Susan Hasenauer: “Every time I see the Bucket Brigade practicing or performing, it immediately draws me back into my childhood dream of playing the drums. Cindy Briggs made that a reality by inviting us to participate alongside the students who shared their expertise on how a bucket can be a true musical instrument. By the end of our lesson, we were able to play "Sweet Home Alabama". What a perfect start to a Friday!”

•Julie Nevelizer: “Joining the bucket brigade brought me back to when I learned how to play the guitar in Middle School and my Choir days with Mrs. Bendix during High School. I love learning new things and being alongside 5th grade students, made the experience even better! It was a fantastic experience to watch and be next to students enjoying a passion that brings a smile on their faces. I would like to thank Mrs. Briggs and the 5th grade Bucket Brigade members for starting my Friday morning with enthusiasm and some fun dance steps to get me moving.”

• Mary Thoms: “This opportunity was so much fun and reminded me how much I love learning. More importantly, how much I miss the classroom and kids. Mrs. Briggs made it fun and engaging from the moment we stepped into the class!!!”

• Krista Lewis: “What a great way to start the day! Mrs. Briggs and her Bucket Brigade are truly talented, and I think I need much more practice to perform at their level!”

• Ruth Brown: “Learning, laughter and LUCK " are my three words to explain this experience. Thanks to Mrs. Briggs and the students in the Bucket Brigade for offering me this opportunity. It's not as easy as you might think. Who knows, with practice, I might take my own bucket show on the road.”

• Sammy Martin: “I thought the experience was awesome! I loved seeing the students flip the script and become the teachers for the morning. With Mrs. Briggs facilitating the lesson, the students were able to help us learn how to read music, practice the different sounds made with the bucket, and seamlessly join in on a song. I would participate again in a heartbeat! I'm so glad to be an "Honorary Member of the Bucket Brigade!”

• Ashley Stoughton: “It was a great experience to allow the students to teach me. I forget how much fun learning can be, and am proud of the leaders our students are becoming. The kids were also super supportive. I had a blast!”

The Bucket Brigade practice ended like it does each week with the five minute “Friday Dance Party” in the front of the auditorium.