Acmetonia Elementary Holds Porch Concert

Like many things in schools, music education looks very different right now. Where several months ago a group of students would sit in their classroom with band instruments to learn notes, how to read music, and to play pieces with a group, they now learn these skills through technology.

“Originally Mrs. Vecchio gave me the idea at the end of March,” commented Mr. Doug Skoretz, elementary music teacher, on his Porch Concert idea. “I felt I wasn’t ready, and really wanted to do a google meet concert.” Then the Pennsylvania Music Education Association (PMEA) District 1 extended an invitation for Allegheny Valley’s District 1 to take part in a special event. After reading the information and receiving a recommendation from a family in the district, Skoretz decided to give the Porch Concert a try. The idea was to have musicians from all over that region to participate to show appreciation to all of the moms, while promoting band students everywhere. They intended to “make a joyful noise,” BAND together, and raise some music for all the mothers.

The event became a reality and students went out onto their porches between 7:00 and 7:15 p.m. and played whatever the student wanted. It was stressed to the students to play for themselves, to play for fun, and to play to celebrate the mom in their lives. They were asked to send photos of themselves participating back to Skoretz, who intended to develop a collage. Fifty-eight individuals participated, including Skoretz, Principal Jennifer Vecchio, and four Springdale Jr-Sr High School students.

“I thought it was an excellent way to promote music to the neighborhood and for the students to have some fun with playing for the neighborhoods of Allegheny Valley School District, commented Skoretz. The practice or playing on the porch added more meaning for the students. “For most musicians, practicing is not always fun,” he explained. “Practicing for a performance has more meaning to practice for that special goal.”

The students and the parents thought the concert was a different type of idea, but it gave more meaning for the students to be able to practice where everyone could hear them. The responses from the finished collage was incredible, a totally positive experience. A framed collage will be displayed at Acmetonia Elementary School in the fall.