Apr. 29, 2025 -- The Heights High Instrumental Music Department traveled by bus to New York City this past March for their annual Spring Tour. Forty students spent four jam packed days focused on music. They had a music exchange with another high school, went to Brooklyn College for master classes, attended a Broadway performance of Hadestown, and visited tourist attractions.

The students who went on the tour are in the Symphonic Winds and Heights High Symphony.

The musicians made their first stop at the border of Ohio and Pennsylvania to Austintown Fitch High School where the students were able to perform for and listen to another high school’s instrumental program. “People learn so much just getting outside of their normal routines and seeing how other people do some of the same things in other places,” said Orchestra Director Daniel Heim, “or even how they have entirely different traditions and ways of life.”

The master classes were hosted by Brooklyn College where two music professors conducted a class specialized for each ensemble. These master classes proved to be an enlightening experience for the students where they could receive insightful feedback from college educators on how they could improve the pieces they will perform at their Finale Concert this Friday.

“I felt honored that an esteemed musician was taking the time to listen to our ensemble and offer very specific feedback,” said sophomore Lina Szpak. “The comments we received were minor changes that greatly increased the piece’s impact.”

But the musical highlight for many of the students, and the adult chaperones, was seeing an outstanding Broadway performance of Hadestown. “The Hadestown music is super musically interesting to listen to,” shared senior Stella Stawovy, “and having the band on stage when the actors were performing was fun.” Musicals hold a special place in tubist Mena Morris’ heart and being able to experience it with her friends made it all the better.

“It was a spectacular production, and the show spoke so poignantly to the moment that we are in right now,” shared Mr. Heim. “It was simply amazing, and I’m so glad we did it!”

The tour also included a guided tour of New York City and Carnegie Hall, a visit to the top of the Empire State Building, a chance for the students to explore Times Square and Central Park, and a visit to Ellis and Liberty Islands. “I found NYC to be a cool city,” shared senior Gabe Dodson, “and I feel like we saw some very awe inspiring things.” 

The students also greatly appreciated that they were given the opportunity to experience and explore everything that the city had to offer, especially during their free time at Times Square and Central Park. 

“They put a lot of trust in us to roam around the city and meet back at a specific time, and I am grateful they did because that was also what made the trip what it was,” explained Mena. Emphasizing that being able to have that freedom to explore was important to her and many others.

Directors Daniel Heim and Dr. Nicholas Marzuola as well as the IMD’s paraprofessional, El Wynne accompanied the students. Parent chaperones were Robert Barr, Katrina Heinzen, Sharilee Walker, and Summer Watterson.

The Brooklyn College professors who held the master classes were Jesse Mills for the Heights High Symphony and Tom Oberle for Symphonic Winds.

The Instrumental Music Department will hold their Spring Finale Concerts on Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the Heights High Auditorium. The Thursday concert will feature the Concert and Symphonic Bands, Concert Orchestra, and the Philharmonic Strings. Friday features individual performances by the Heights High Symphony and Symphonic Winds as well as a combined ensemble performance of Gustav Holst’s Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity.