Blue Key 60th Anniversary

Port Chester Middle School
Blue Key Honorary Band Society 60th Anniversary Concert
Sunday, June 13, 2004

Throughout the years, Port Chester's Schools have achieved a standard of excellence that surpasses many larger more affluent school systems. That's because of the quality of it's staff. The administrators and teachers have teamed up to provide the very best education for the children of our town.

The standard of excellence is no better represented than in the music program which starts in the 4th grade for most students and reaches it's pinnacle in the Middle School (grades 6 to 8). Director Kraut and Director Linda McDermott shape the young beginner musicians into accomplished players and model band members. The students will cover every style from classical to jazz to pop. Also a great deal of time is spent on improving technique. This preparation is important because the next stop is the award-winning Port Chester Marching Band where the incoming high school musicians will be expected to excel and there won't be any hand-holding.

The qualifications for induction into Blue Key are simple: learn your music, show up for your lessons and sectionals and make all performances. Be there for the band and the band will be there for you. Students have their names entered on plaques for each year and those plaques will hang in the music wing corridor as a tribute to their hard work and dedication. I've seen many a disinterested student musician thrive on this program and rise to the occasion to become model band citizens. My congratulations to all Blue Key members past and present and to the wonderful band that gathered together that day to play a wonderful concert.

Director Ken Kraut introduces the band. Director Kraut was a student of Blue Key Founder and Band Director, Archie Jacobs. The band was comprised of musicians from the Middle School, High School, and alumni including many local music educators, semi-pros and pros. There oldest was approaching 80 years.