On Wednesday, November 28, Dr. Christopher DiSanto, Associate Professor at Stockton University’s School of Arts and Humanities, visited ACS to work with 4th and 5th grade band students in a clarinet workshop. DiSanto, who was invited to ACS by Music Director Jaron Beadle, teaches music appreciation, music theory, and conducting at Stockton. He is also the Principal Clarinetist of the Bay Atlantic Symphony and director of its Music Mentorship program. This initiative affords selected Stockton music students the opportunity to be paired with musicians from the Bay Atlantic Symphony who act as mentors in a unique setting as visiting instrumental specialists in local middle and high school music programs.

During his one-hour workshop with the ACS students, he taught several key concepts for beginning clarinetists, focusing especially on fingering techniques. Dr. DiSanto made the learning fun with games using the white board and ping pong balls. He concluded his session with an impressive demonstration of virtuosity on his instrument, playing an intricate, up-tempo piece that left the young band members oohing, aahing, and excited to play.