Recorders
makeajoyfulnoise

A record 5,900 students participate in NJPAC’s Recorder Arts for Musical Pathways program

The Orchestra and Grand Tier seats were filled with audience members whose feet never reached the floor. They were a giggly and squirmy bunch, but obediently followed the conductor on stage and, when asked, held their plastic recorders in the “rest” or “ready” positions.

In June 2025, 1,500 third- and fourth-graders from Newark schools gathered in Prudential Hall for the culmination of a year-long Recorder Arts for Musical Pathways (R.A.M.P.) program, which gives elementary school students their first lessons in instrumental music.

This year marked the largest number of students and teachers in the program to date — 5,900 students from 41 schools across the city.

More than 50 teachers participated in workshops to learn the curriculum. The Arts Center supports its implementation by sending two R.A.M.P. teaching artists to the schools for site visits.

R.A.M.P. teaches students how to play an instrument and read music, and generates excitement through an original song competition.

A small group of students from the winning schools, Oliver Street School and Hawkins Street School, performed the melodies they’d composed on stage with their teachers.

The morning’s repertoire also included rousing renditions of “Merrily We Roll Along” and “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” interspersed with chants of “Recorders Rock!” led by emcee Marcus Beckett, Associate Producer of NJPAC’s Community Engagement.

There was lots of beaming pride from teachers and administrators in the audience.

“You are the artists we are waiting for, let’s give you a big round of applause,” said Roger León, Superintendent of the Newark Board of Education, in his opening remarks.

“I’m very proud of all of you.”