Students from local South Jersey schools experienced the power and beauty of live orchestral music firsthand, thanks to a special Meet the Artist program sponsored by the Schultz-Hill Foundation. The event featured an interactive performance by the Bay Atlantic Symphony on May 5 at the Stockton Performing Arts Center for students at Principle Academy Charter School (PAC) in Egg Harbor Township and Our Lady Star of the Sea in Atlantic City.
“By introducing students to live performance and giving them the chance to interact with professional musicians, we hope to help them gain a deeper appreciation for the arts,” said Gary Hill, co-founder of the Schultz-Hill Foundation. “At the same time, we may be planting the seeds that might inspire the next generation of talent.”
The students prepared by studying classical music prior to the performance, according to PAC music teacher Erik Wagner. “The students explored Beethoven not just as a composer, but as a person — understanding the intensity with which he wrote, the challenges he faced after losing his hearing, and how those experiences shaped his music.”
“Music gives students a chance to experience history, emotion and creativity in a truly immersive way,” he added. “We also explored how musicians listen to one another, how a symphony works together, and how interpretation can transform notes on a page into something deeply personal and meaningful.”
Sixth-grade PAC students Kenzi Lewis, Yandieliz Lopez-Velez, and Omari Stevens were excited for the performance. Lewis and Stevens had never experienced a live symphony before. Lopez-Velez had seen one once, at her brother’s graduation. “I’m expecting a joyful experience,” said Lewis. Lopez-Velez expected the music to feel “deep,” while Stevens — a guitarist himself — said he looked forward to hearing everything from fast-paced passages to slower, more emotional moments. “I know I’m going to enjoy it,” he said.
Under the direction of conductor Jed Gaylin, the Bay Atlantic Symphony musicians demonstrated how individual instruments create distinct sounds, then layered them to build a full orchestral performance. From the delicate strains of a single violin to the rich, dynamic force of the entire ensemble, students experienced music not just as listeners, but as active participants.
Throughout the performance, Gaylin guided students through the building blocks of music — rhythm, melody, chords and scales — pausing at times to break down concepts and encourage deeper listening. Students were invited to clap, respond to musical cues and engage directly with the performance, transforming the concert into an interactive learning experience.
The Meet the Artist student program is part of the Schultz-Hill Foundation’s mission to promote and support arts, history and education in South Jersey via educational scholarships, direct grants and funding for the Arts, historical and musical programs. For more information, visit http://www.schultz-hill.org.
