Valley Central seventh grader Corinne Montenora has been working under the direction of some of the best teachers in music education through The Juilliard School’s Music Advancement Program (MAP) which started in the Fall and will continue until the end of the school year. Every Saturday, Montenora heads to the Juilliard Campus to cultivate her musical talent. Admission into the program is selective with only 70 students being chosen from the New York City boroughs and tristate area who “demonstrate a commitment to artistic excellence”.

A graduate of Montgomery Elementary School and now attending the Valley Central Middle School, Montenora has loved music since she was little.

“I was introduced to music at a very early age so I was very lucky. I was originally wanting to play percussion, but then my sister introduced me to the French horn. It just took off from there,” said Montenora of her love of music.

Now, just several months into the program, the twelve-year-old is thankful to be part of the prestigious experience. Under the direction of skilled musicians, the young musicians work together and also get the opportunity to take additional pathways such as Music Theory and Ear Training, Composition Lab, Composer’s Forum, and other selected courses. As part of the program, musicians perform a spring and winter concert in addition to the recital at the end of the year and performance juries for teachers.

Montenora thanked her family and past teachers for what they helped instill in her from an early age. She fondly remembered one teacher in particular who took the time to work with her and helped her sail through practice music years ago. Of the Valley Central School District art and music programs, Montenora shared, “I’ve met so many kind people over my school years who boosted my confidence and helped me so much.”

When asked what she hopes to take away from this program, Montenora explained that a portion of the program involves showing musicians how they can use music to give back to their community. Students work together to brainstorm how music can help communities from concerts in the park to visiting seniors in nursing homes. The young musicians brainstorm ideas and bring the ideas to life as part of the program.

“I hope to take away the lessons I’ve learned to help my community and give back in the future,” said Montenora.