Two teams of musicians from North High School have been selected to advance in the 2024 Young Musicians Innovation Challenge, sponsored by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS). Following preliminary round presentations that took place on Dec. 5, a panel of CMS judges selected five teams to continue in the competition—including both teams from North High.
A project titled “Chamber Music as Music Therapy in Nursing Homes and Hospitals” focuses on the therapeutic value of playing music for the geriatric population. The goal would be for the team to collaborate with health professionals to prepare and perform effective music therapy sessions. Team members are Jacob Podwall, Daniel Perlman, and Eliav Sehati, with guidance from Dr. Esther Noh, North High instrumental music teacher.
A project titled “Music InReach” focuses on neuro-diverse and neuro-typical students working together to compose an original work that includes music, art, and spoken word. The goal of the project would be to record the creative process for curriculum development. Team members are Talia Elyaho, Owen Flood, Daliah Segal, and Katherine Zhao, with guidance from Dr. Pamela Levy, North High vocal music teacher/fine and performing arts department chair.
The Young Musicians Innovation Challenge, now in its fourth year, gives high school musicians the unique opportunity to compete for the chance to launch innovative chamber music projects with mentorship and financial support from CMS. Projects are adjudicated by a panel of judges based on creativity, viability, sustainability, and ways in which projects address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
—Submitted by the Great Neck Public Schools District
