Practice makes perfect: Kids play Carnegie

By Erin Arnold
Staff Writer

One hundred students lean forward in their chairs, instruments in hands, poised to start the rehearsal. In the front row, Christopher Diaz has his eyes locked on the conductor, Mr. C., waiting for the signal to begin. These 7th and 8th graders are all members of the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) Academy String and Rhythm Orchestra, which made its debut at Carnegie Hall on December 4.

Just 13 years old, Mr. Diaz has been a student at KIPP since the sixth grade, and is quite proficient on the violin. He has only studied the instrument since age 11, first inspired by his older sister who also used to play.

The rehearsal room is crowded, with students seated wall to wall; music stands are at their feet and instruments in their laps. The bulletin board in the back of the room boldly declares: “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Desire, Discipline, Dedication.” Students wear bright yellow shirts emblazoned with the phrase: “There are no shortcuts.” And the walls are covered with signs that proclaim “No excuses” and “Work Hard.” Indeed, these students are pushed to do their best at every moment of the day. And while their excitement can be hard to contain at times, once Mr. C. raises his hands to begin, all movement stops as the students lift their instruments and simultaneously begin their music-making.

Mr. Diaz started at KIPP, located on East 156th Street near Courtlandt Avenue, after his mother heard about the program from friends. Determined to help her child excel, and encouraged by his teachers, she went to visit and was highly impressed with what she found. “He needed more from school and at KIPP he has tough competition. They offer him so much and I know we made the right decision,” said Sandra Diaz.

According to the KIPP website, the program is designed to provide educationally underserved students with the knowledge, skills, and character they will need to succeed in school and in life. KIPP Academy, in fact, has been the highest performing public middle school in the Bronx in reading scores, math scores, and attendance for the past five years.

In addition, each student learns to play an instrument before continuing to high school. Competition to get into the program is tough, and once a student is admitted, the pressure only gets more intense. The school day runs from 7:30am –6:00pm and includes two or three hours of homework per night. On top of that, Mr. Diaz has to find time to squeeze in violin rehearsals. “I usually practice at least 30-45 minutes on my own each day,” he said.

But Mr. Diaz isn’t complaining. “The environment here is more friendly. The students are nice and the teacher’s work hard and we can call them for help any time,” he explained. “I even helped my math teacher, Mr. Corcoran, move into a new apartment last weekend.”

His mother agreed that KIPP is definitely a home away from home. She is thrilled that her son has had so many wonderful opportunities to improve his education and perform with a top-quality orchestra.

Christopher’s father, Felix Diaz, noted that he is proud of his son’s accomplishments. “He works hard and is already looking for a good high school. Sometimes I have to remind him to be a kid,” he said.

His son’s hard work has paid off though. Mr. Diaz was one of only ten 8th graders who made the Director’s List, averaging a 90% or above for the recent grading period. And though he currently holds the hard-earned 3rd chair for the violin section of the orchestra, he held the #1 spot for some time. “The students push each other to do better each day,” his mother explained.

But despite the intense concentration on performing well and improving their music skills, the rehearsal room hints that middle school students are present. Posters of Britney Spears, Usher, and Lil Bow Wow hang next to musical cutouts of violins, cellos, and harps. Each is a testimony to the fact that modern mainstream music can coexist with classical ballads. And if the posters aren’t enough to convince the most skeptical person, then perhaps the Rhythm and String Orchestra’s upbeat rendition of pop princess Shakira’s “Whenever Wherever” or their Village People medley of rambunctious retro favorites, “Macho Man” and “YMCA” will turn heads. Whatever the song, it isn’t hard to see that the young orchestra members enjoy playing because heads are bouncing and feet are tapping as students keep time to the music.

“I love playing the upbeat, fast songs,” Mr. Diaz said, smiling. “They make me more enthusiastic about playing.”

Asked what he has learned at KIPP that has made the biggest impact on his life, he said that it was a phrase on his shirt. “My shirt says ‘There are no shortcuts’ and I have learned that it is true in my work. Before I came to this school I would rush through my homework just to get it done. Now I have to take my time and really learn. KIPP is preparing me for high school,” he explained.

But the strict academic curriculum is all part of the bigger picture. And Mr. Diaz sees that it is all worth it once he achieves a high grade or gets up on a stage to perform. “I have been so excited about the opportunity to play at Carnegie Hall. Not many young people get the chance to play there,” he said, smiling.

“That’s the easy part,” Anders said.