Sept. 10, 2024-- For several years now, the district has hosted Instrument Test Drives, which seek to match students with a musical instrument they might be interested in trying to master on their own, or as a member of a school band or orchestra. These events, however, are traditionally held in the spring.
In 2024-2025, the district's musical leaders figured, Why wait? Yesterday evening, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Intermediate East, students had the opportunity to test drive a range of instruments. Not only that-- students and their families were treated to a performance by the Toms River Multigenerational Orchestra, which consists of students, teachers, and community members, under the direction of retired Toms River Regional Schools music teacher Susan DeGoey (above). The ensemble played several songs, and its members helped demonstrate each instrument for interested students.
Moving the test drive to the beginning of the school year seemed to have the desired effect.
"Many students decided to learn a new instrument this school year," said secondary music facilitator and teacher Josh Melson.