Local students in grades 9-12 recently learned about many aspects of music and performance as the a cappella group Ball in the House performed covers of classic and contemporary songs during an event co-hosted by the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Honors Program and Central Valley Academy.
“The high-energy show had the ninth- to 12th-grade audience at Central Valley singing and even beatboxing along,” Herkimer BOCES Honors Program Coordinator Deborah Schoff said.
A total of 28 students participated in the event from Central Valley, Dolgeville, Frankfort-Schuyler, Herkimer, Little Falls, Owen D. Young, Poland and West Canada Valley on Thursday, Oct. 2, at Central Valley Academy.
Ball in the House is an R&B/soul/pop group based out of Boston that puts on a “totally vocally interactive program.”
Following the performance, students worked with Ball in the House members for the remainder of the day, as they participated in three breakout sessions.
“Honors students enjoyed an interactive beatbox tutorial, learned a two-part arrangement of ‘Dance the Night’ and heard tips and tricks on how to create an experience that will engage audiences when performing,” Schoff said.
Schoff added that the Honors Program gives a special thank you to Central Valley Academy, the Central Valley Music Boosters and Mr. Bunce for their help in hosting this workshop.
“This was a great experience for our students,” Schoff said.
The Herkimer BOCES Honors Program is open to students in Herkimer BOCES component school districts and is designed to support the potential of students in grades 3-12 who have above average interests and abilities in a particular area. Programs allow for interaction with like-minded peers. Students learn by engaging in educational activities with presenters who are noted in their field. Exploration and programs provide for different learning styles and include topics in the arts and sciences as well as literature and history. Ongoing evaluation of all programs by teachers and students assures their relevance and quality.
Local students learn through music with members of the musical group Ball in the House during an event co-hosted by the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Honors Program and Central Valley Academy on Thursday, Oct. 2, at Central Valley Academy.
