New Haven Independent

Fedele’s visit Friday — which coincided with the final recital of some 50 summer students — was the first from a state official since the school underwent an extensive renovation two years ago. Mostly paid for by taxpayers, at the urging of New Haven State Rep. Pat Dillon, the $5 million facelift revamped studios, expanded the recital hall and gave the school its sleek, modern look.

In part, the Lt. Governor was on site to inspect the goods.

Flanked by School Director Larry Zukof (pictured left), he toured the three-story facility, stopped in the dance and drum workshops, and let loose a few good-natured quips. While he was shown various bangers and scrapers in the percussion room, he joked, “I could use those on the floor of the Senate-Capitol meetings!”

As the recital got underway, camcorder-wielding parents packed the school’s concert hall and clapped along to a percussion ensemble led by master drum-maker Baba David Coleman. Baba, who was trained by the famous Guinean drummer Mamady Keita, explained that Friday’s routine was inspired by an East-African harvesting ritual.

“It’s built right into the agricultural experience,” he said. “It lets [harvesters] know there’s a break. Volunteers play the drums, and elders sit around and watch.”

Later, Band Director Daniel Cross led a large, concert-band orchestra in an upbeat medley of old Beatles favorites. Rock and roll lovers in the audience could have picked out airs from “Eleanor Rigby,” “Yesterday,” and “A Hard Day’s Night.”

At the end of the spirited recital, Fedele stood before the crowd and donated an engraving of the state Capitol building. He also praised the young musicians.

“I just got back from an economic development trip to Europe, and you know they’ve got culture and arts over there,” he said. “But let me tell you — you guys are right up there.”

Teenaged drummer Malcolm Pina won first place for his distinguished performance at the school this summer. One of the leading percussionists in the state, Pina also plays in a symphonic wind orchestra.

“He’s an amazing success story,” said Adrienne Webb, the school’s marketing director.

The largest not-for-profit community arts center in Connecticut, the Neighborhood Music School offers an array of music, dance and theater classes to local youths aged 4 and up with an interest in the performing arts. Founded in 1911 on the site of an old bird-cage factory, the school now caters to 3000 students each year. It offers financial aid to 328 of them.