Edgewood Students Celebrate New York

Edgewood third graders culminated their study of New York City with a musical performance of “NYC -- The Place to Be” attended by the entire school, parents and invited guests on April 13.

Material for the play was gathered through a research project held during lunch hours, lead by third grade teachers, Margaret O'Farrell, Beth Martin, Palmer DelMonaco and Dylan Cadalzo. Using books, the internet, and pamphlets, students gathered facts on the city that became the basis for the script and fifteen New York themed songs. Student performed well-know favorites including “Sidewalks of New York," "Native New Yorker," "Downtown" and "Empire State of Mind." Over a five-week period, the third grade teachers and music teacher, Lisa Forte prepared student for the show. Ms. Forte taught the students to play the recorders and melody bells so that they could accompany her on the piano. Art teacher Helen Pasternack helped the students create scenery during their art classes and Margaret O'Farrell worked on props, posters and the large banner with the children during lunchtime. With the help of technology teacher Paul Tomizawa, three girls, Felicity Huang, Anne Conlan, and Aimee Azambuya-Skoupy, created the slide presentation that served as the backdrop for the opening scene.

The show was about a group of tourists who visited all five boroughs of New York City by taxi, subway, ferry, and on foot to visit famous sights, museums, parks, and events. The students shared their understanding of the many interesting places to visit in the five boroughs. For example, they talked about NYC's other names - New Amsterdam and New Orange. Most were surprised to learn that NYC had been the first capital of the United States. They explained that twenty-one elephants were paraded across the Brooklyn Bridge to be sure that it was safe and that the cost for a ride on the Staten Island Ferry has decreased over time. They discussed the number of restaurants and taxis and skyscrapers found in the city and told the audience where to get a hot dog in each of the five boroughs.

"The third graders came away with an awareness of the cultural richness of NYC as they read about the museums, parks, theaters (especially Broadway theaters), and parades that celebrate the cultural diversity of New Yorkers and the world. They were surprised at how many songs were devoted to this great city. As they sang, they learned even more information about city life and the treasures to be found just twenty miles from Scarsdale. In addition, the students came away with an awareness that we at Edgewood are a community of learners. Sometimes it was hard to tell who was having more fun - the teachers or the students - as we prepared for the performance," said teacher Margaret O'Farrell.

Text and photos by Margaret O'Farrell and Tracy McCarthy