Colts Neck Student Musicians Perform in the
whole, “The Front-Yard Philharmonic,” It was then shared, allowing students
and families to enjoy virtually.
“The Colts Neck Township School District has a rich legacy of music
education,” Brown said. “For decades, this music program has provided
students with lifelong memories and opportunities. It is our hope that
even in the current climate, our students will be enriched by their musical
experiences and continue to brighten our community for years to come.”
Chandler added, “Bravo to all these talented musicians, and thanks
to the families and school administrators who helped support this
unique initiative!”
Virtual Programming
TheJournalNJ.com | JUNE 2020 19
The sweet sound of music recently rang
through the air around Colts Neck. Band
students from Conover Road Elementary
School, under the direction of Cheryl Chandler,
and Cedar Drive Middle School, under the direction
of Jeff Brown, combined efforts on a musical
presentation called “The Front-Yard Philharmonic.”
This project afforded each student the
opportunity to perform in front of their home
for their band directors and family members
after year-end concerts were canceled.
“Even as the school buildings have been
closed, our students have been hard at work,
and we wanted to showcase their musical talents,”
Brown said. “Especially in these strange
music can help to connect the community in a
creative and meaningful way.”
Over the course of two weeks in mid-May,
Brown and Chandler drove around Colts Neck
(in separate cars) to 54 students’ homes. At each
one, students traded in the traditional stage
and spotlight for their front porch, driveway or lawn.
Chandler said, “While our spring performances did not happen
in the traditional way, we loved being able to celebrate all the musical
talents and hard work our students have put in this year. We are so
proud of them and enjoyed seeing and hearing them perform one
more time this year.”
Students who participated in the project performed a variety of
musical selections, including “Happy Birthday,” “Dance of the Sugar
Plum Fairy,” the theme from “Star Wars,” “Mozart’s Symphony No. 25”
and many more. As the students performed these selections, Brown
and Chandler watched from afar in accordance with social distance
directives and mandates, to record the mini concerts. The directors,
in turn, edited the short clips together, calling the performance as a
The Colts Neck Library is offering virtual programming, including story
time and crafts. All activities and classes can be accessed online at
Facebook.com/ColtsNeckFriendsOfTheLibrary. All programs are free
and open to all.
The Friends of the Colts Neck Library are looking for new members
to join to help raise money to support and provide programming for the
library. For more information, email cnfriendslibrary@gmail.com.
Monmouth County Library staff are available virtually. For phone
assistance, call 1-866-941-8188. For live chat and email assistance,
visit MonmouthCountyLib.org. Staff members are available Monday
through Thursday from 9 am to 8 pm as well as Friday and Saturday from
9 am to 5 pm.
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