The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Gracie Eisenberg

About Gracie Eisenberg

Gracie Eisenberg is a senior at Byram Hills High School and an intern at Inside Press Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys producing music, playing guitar, writing, and reading. In the fall she will be attending NYU for Recorded Music.

Striking a Chord & Learning in Harmony

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Mr. Marc Beja, BHHS Director of the Fine Arts Department
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BYRAM HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

At Byram Hills High School, music is much more than an elective class, it is an opportunity for self-expression, collaboration, and creativity. From traditional performance ensembles to music production and theory classes, the music program offers students countless ways to explore who they are and how they communicate through sound.

For many students, music became a defining part of the high school experience. As a junior enrolled in Music Theory, I discovered how understanding structure, harmony, and composition could deepen my appreciation for music and fuel a growing passion for music production. Now, as a senior, I have the opportunity to take more advanced music courses that continue to shape me into a more well-rounded student while allowing me to focus on a specialized area I love.

Leading this inventive and expanding program is Mr. Marc Beja, Director of the Fine Arts Department at Byram Hills. His vision reflects the district’s commitment to the “five Cs” of learning: community, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. According to Mr. Beja, “The Byram Hills music program so beautifully encompasses the “five Cs” of learning that the District prioritizes: community, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. Our music students engage in authentic and meaningful musical experiences to create and present work, and to explore themselves, their communities, and the world through creativity, reflection, critical thinking, and collaboration. When students graduate from Byram Hills and our music program, we know they are prepared to continue to use these skills for the rest of their lives in musical and non-musical settings.”

Byram Hills music program sets itself apart with its depth and variety, both during the school day and after the final bell rings. Students can participate in band, orchestra, and chorus, while also exploring classes such as studio music production and composition, music theory, guitar workshop, and theater technology. Beyond coursework, the department supports a wide range of faculty-led and student-led opportunities, including jazz band, jazz choir, a cappella, music tech club, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. This expansive and inclusive program was recently recognized when Byram Hills was named a 2025 “Best Community for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation.

Performance and production classes work hand in hand to give students a well-rounded musical education. While many students express themselves through live performance, others thrive behind the scenes–composing, producing, mixing, and capturing sound. Studio music students regularly contribute to live performances and theatrical productions, gaining hands-on experience with real-world applications of music technology. Theater tech students, meanwhile, work with professional-grade lighting and sound equipment, as well as new projection technology made possible through a grant from the Byram Hills Education Foundation.

Byram Hills District Music Festival
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BYRAM HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Throughout the year, students have numerous opportunities to share their work with both the school community and the public. Performances range from Pep Band at football games and Choir Cabaret in the fall to winter concerts, jazz events, and theatrical productions. A highlight of the year is the Districtwide Music Festival, which brings together fifth graders, eighth graders, and high school students for a day of collaboration and performance. Spring events include the annual musical, concerts, jazz showcases, and community performances, culminating with ensemble performances at graduation. Students also participate in NYSSMA festivals and All-State ensembles, and last year, Byram Hills musicians had the unforgettable opportunity to perform publicly at Walt Disney World.

One of the most memorable and exciting opportunities is the Disney trip that occurs every other year. According to Mr. Beja, “The high school music department’s trip last March to Walt Disney World was certainly a highlight for the students and teachers. From last March to the beginning of the school year, the ensembles were working on special repertoire that they got to perform for the public at Disney Springs.

What was so exciting about those performances was that they weren’t just for audiences of our students’ families, friends, and teachers – hundreds of strangers heard the fantastic music our students were making and chose to stop what they were doing to sit in the hot sun and enjoy those performances. The audience responses were so enthusiastic and positive! All three ensembles also got to attend music workshops with Disney teaching artists behind the scenes, learning and recording new arrangements of Disney songs, and collaborating in a shortened period to create something special.”

One of the program’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Music education at Byram Hills begins as early as fifth grade, with all students participating in music through at least eighth grade. Because high school ensembles and extracurricular groups include students from grades nine through twelve, newcomers with varying levels of experience are welcomed and supported. This structure naturally fosters leadership, mentorship, and growth, reinforcing the idea that there is a place for everyone in the Fine Arts- regardless of background or skill level.

According to Mr. Beja, the personal growth students experience through music is just as important as their musical development. Being part of an ensemble or production requires teamwork, focus, problem-solving, and dedication. Each student plays a vital role, and together they create something meaningful for an audience. Music classes also provide an essential outlet which can create a space for creativity, stress relief, self-expression, and belonging during the school day.

Looking ahead, the future of the Byram Hills music program is bright. Participation continues to grow, allowing the department to expand offerings and add additional ensemble periods. With increasing enthusiasm and ongoing support, the Fine Arts at Byram Hills remain a thriving and integral part of the school community.

The Byram Hills music program stands as a cornerstone of creativity, collaboration, and community within the district. Through its diverse offerings, it empowers students to grow not only as musicians, but as confident, thoughtful individuals–prepared to carry these skills with them long after graduation. To learn more about Marc Beja watch this short video on youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX0cpWej0gs

Byram Hills Class of 2025 Prepares to Graduate

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Principal Christopher Walsh and Superintendent Dr. Jen Lamia

As spring arrives and the school year at Byram Hills High School nears its end, it’s a great time to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of the graduating class of 2025. I had the honor of speaking with Principal Mr. Walsh, who shared insights on this year’s seniors, their resilience, and their lasting impact on the school.

“The Class of 2025 was in seventh grade when the pandemic hit, and their eighth-grade year was hybrid,” Walsh explains. “By the time they entered high school, it had been over a year and a half since they experienced a normal school environment. Watching them grow over the past four years has been incredible,” Walsh continued. “They truly embraced the opportunity to learn in person again and demonstrated how resilient students can be when adapting to change.”

Beyond their academic journey, the Class of 2025 left a significant mark on student government. Walsh noted that while the student government includes all grade levels, this was the first year that every school-wide officer position was held by seniors, setting a strong example for underclassmen.
The class also excelled in extracurriculars, earning recognition in prestigious programs such as Regeneron, National Merit, and the music department’s trip to Disney World. Walsh describes the Class of 2025 as “kind” and possessing “a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of people, with a strong commitment to making their communities, country and world a better place.”

When asked if he had any advice for the graduates, Walsh emphasized the importance of civic engagement. “Voting is both a right and a voice,” he says. “Whether on a local, state, or national level, they need to ensure their voices are heard. An educated and knowledgeable electorate is key to shaping the world they want to live in.”

As the Class of 2025 prepares to graduate, Walsh also wanted to remind them that Byram Hills will always be their home. “We feel so connected to them. We know that they are a link in the chain that goes back to the very first class we had here in 1968, and they are now a part of the fabric of what it means to be a Byram Hills student. So, they will always have a home here, and I want to thank them for making us who we are.”

Regarding graduation details, Walsh shared that the ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 24, at 5:00 PM on the school’s turf field. “Since the pandemic, we’ve held graduation on campus rather than at SUNY Purchase,” he notes. “The ceremony will include speeches from the valedictorian, salutatorian, superintendent, board of education president, and myself. We’ll also have a presentation of the class gifts by student government members.” The valedictorian and salutatorian will be announced at the graduation rehearsal on June 11.

As the Class of 2025 moves forward, they leave behind a legacy of perseverance, leadership and compassion–one that will continue to inspire students for years to come.

 

Good Vibes: How Music Inspires Health & Happiness

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Playing music makes you happier because it increases dopamine release, the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter. – Harvard Medical School

The act of making music is inherently rewarding for mental health.

The transformative power of music has long been celebrated, and for the students at School of Rock in Briarcliff Manor it’s not only a creative outlet but a way to cope with stress and form bonds. Recently, I had the chance to sit down with some of these young musicians and facilitate a discussion of how music has impacted them, and the mental health benefits that music has on people. In this article, we’ll explore the different advantages to playing instruments and connecting with music.

How Did These School of Rock Students Start Playing Music?

Jess Katz, a sophomore in high school, began playing violin, but thanks to her dad’s taste in rock music, she moved to guitar. “I decided to see if I could learn the basics, but it quickly escalated to more. Now, I can’t imagine not playing guitar,” Jess said.

Freja Davidson, a senior in high school, always loved rock and pop singing. “I’ve always been singing,” she explained, “That’s really where I started. My first instrument was piano, and I started playing classical piano when I was about 5 or 6. Then I wanted to get into guitar since I was hearing a lot of pop on the radio, so I picked up acoustic guitar,” she added. “I played by myself for a while but decided to join School of Rock where I picked up bass guitar. I just want to do as much with music as I can.”

Tristan Robins, who’s only in 8th grade, has been playing all types of music since he only was one and a half years old. He doesn’t recall exactly how he became interested in music but knows that his parents heavily influenced him in his decision to start playing, as they are both musicians that attend School of Rock.

Ben Schrier, who is the Music Director at School of Rock, shared his story. “I started getting into music when I was about 7 or 8 years old, because my parents listened to a lot of rock music. They were from The Beatles and Led Zeppelin generation, so I listened to those records all the time,” he said. “I ended up getting into guitar and studied it in school. I got to tour the world, produce some records, and eventually retired from New York City to be here in Briarcliff,” Ben stated. Now he works with the School of Rock team and loves it.

Lastly, Jim Domzalski, the owner and manager of School of Rock, told me how he got into music. “In my house, you had to pick an instrument when you were 6 years old, and I chose guitar. I played classical guitar from the ages of 6 to13, and it was like pulling teeth to get me to go to lessons,” Jim said. “It wasn’t super enjoyable to me until I started playing with my friends in a rock band, where I realized that music can actually be fun. I ended up getting a business degree and music fell to the wayside.” He spent over a decade in corporate finance and questioned what he was doing with his life. How could he make a more positive impact, he asked himself? “How do I bring something great to the world?” School of Rock was what he decided to do. “I left corporate America and since I knew how to run a business and was passionate about music I decided to open School of Rock in Briarcliff Manor.”

How Does Music Works as a Creative Outlet and Help to Cope with Anxiety and Stress?

“It really helps me because I know I put a lot of pressure on myself in school. For example, just now I was back there doing work, but I can just focus on playing music for the next two to three hours and forget about the stress of school. That’s why I really love it,” Davidson said. “I also try to integrate music into school and have done chorus since I was a freshman. I love that break in the day to sing, be with my friends, and I find it’s a nice creative outlet for me,” Freja concluded.

Katz said, “I’ve dealt with a lot of anxiety and stress since middle school. Especially about school as I tend to stress myself out for no reason. But, playing guitar and music here at School of Rock gives me something else to participate in,” he said. “Instead of worrying about an assignment, I can work on songs for rehearsal.”

“I started out in sixth grade when I moved here and had a bunch of anxiety. It doesn’t show now because School of Rock really helped me,” Robbins said. “Getting out on stage and playing in front of people helped me to adjust to my new surroundings.”

How Can Playing Music Foster a Sense of Community?

“Personally, I’ve made some of my best friends here. There’s another band member, who I’ve being playing with since my freshman year and is one of my best friends, because of School of Rock,” said Freja. “Playing together forms a bond that you can’t find in other ways. It’s really a special thing. You’re all committed to each other in a way that makes you the best you can be. Then you can go and share your talents with the community through performances, Davidson concluded.”

“Playing is a non-verbal connection,” says Katz, “It doesn’t come from a lot of other ways, and at the same time we’ve gotten to know each other really well and have a very close knit group which makes us sound tighter and musically great.”

In a world that often feels chaotic, music brings both harmony and connection. It’s a way to form bonds, relieve stress and anxiety, as well as serve as a powerful tool for self-expression. From helping students like Freja Davidson and Jess Katz find relief from academic pressures to helping Tristan Roberts gain the confidence and overcome aspects of anxiety, music does more than provide an escape – it empowers players to triumph over their biggest fears, connect with others, and form a unique sense of individuality.

School of Rock in Briarcliff Manor has a revolutionary music education approach. Our quality music lessons are taught by real, practicing musicians. Students can learn guitar, keyboards, drums, and vocals, across many genres. Skills are developed in a supportive and encouraging environment, and students gain confidence by jamming together in bands with new friends.

Holiday Hijinks at Elf, The Interactive Movie

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Are you looking for something a little out of the ordinary to do with your kids this upcoming holiday season? Then the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center interactive version of the movie Elf would be the perfect event for you and your family.

Four years ago, Michele Gregson, Chair of The Friends of ChappPAC started what was soon to become a beloved holiday tradition – an interactive way to view the cherished movie, Elf. It went on to capture the hearts of local families, as well as fostering a sense of community among Westchester residents.

This interactive adaptation of ­Elf transforms a classic film into something that can be enjoyed even more than it already has been. This creative and immersive experience will stay with children of all ages for years to come. For those who do not know what an interactive movie is, it’s a film that the viewers can watch and also participate in. Utilizing a script of well-known lines and plot points along with some simple props, you can bring a movie to life making it fun for both children and adults.

So, what makes this version of Elf interactive? “I looked at the film and I looked at what other people did for interactive movies, and then made decisions about how we would do it,” Gregson, explained. “It’s like Rocky Horror Meets Elf and that’s how we mirrored it.” The parents and children receive marked scripts with cues. The scripts help the parents to guide their kids and be prepared to assist at the right moments throughout the movie. Each child receives a bag of goodies that help them participate in the interactive parts.

For example, during the snowball fight, all of the participants get big, white, cotton balls to interact with the scene as it happens in the movie. “The kids go crazy for that part,” Gregson said. “They just throw the snowballs and go running around trying to get the ones that fall. They even go on the stage. It’s really hilarious.”

A Season’s Highlight

There are also cue cards for certain lines for the children to say. “Parents can assist younger children who are emerging readers and there is an elf on stage who helps the kids participate by letting them know what’s coming! It’s really something to watch,” Gregson shared. Even though Interactive Elf is a relatively new tradition in Chappaqua, it continues to be a highlight in the holiday season for many. This version of Elf is also an inclusive event that children of all ages and abilities can participate in.

If you would like to see Elf, visit the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center on Sunday, December 15th. Below is the link to visit their website. chappaquapac.org

Volunteering Beyond Byram

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Volunteer work is a crucial factor in any community, as it builds on the work of selfless individuals looking to help others in need. Student volunteering is a great way to grow from new experiences, develop new skills, expand your view of the world, and help make a difference. Colleges and Universities love to see community service on applications. Having volunteer experience means you’re passionate about making a difference and are ready to be involved.

These three Byram Hills students have gone above and beyond in their volunteer work.

Alex Zodda, Byram Hills, Sophomore

1. What does your volunteer work entail?
About once a month, a few girls visited a JCCA (Jewish Child Care Association) cottage of about six to 10 girls. There are three different types of cottages, and I was with the Edenwald cottage, where kids had learning disabilities. Each child would bring a craft activity for the group when we met. These activities were usually holiday-based, creative, and fun. We’d get to know each other and
talked about their passions, hobbies, and even their social dramas.

2. What inspired you to take this on?
My father encouraged me to give the JCCA a try. He worked there as a psychiatrist, and he loved the kids. His dedication really inspired me.

3. What did you get from your volunteer efforts?
One of the standouts of volunteering for the JCCA is you get to understand and meet kids you wouldn’t in other circumstances. It really made me aware of stereotyping in society, and I realized that I’d made assumptions before meeting them. I re-thought how I interacted with people with learning disabilities.

4. How does volunteering make you feel?
Whenever I think of the kids in my cottage, my heart swells. Their resilience was extremely admirable, and they taught me how to appreciate life even though it can be flawed at times. Since then, I do my best to never judge anyone before meeting them. They all mean the world to me, and the overall experience has been a highlight of my teenage years.

5. Do you plan to continue your volunteer work?
Although I couldn’t participate this year, I’m so excited to return next year! I’m looking forward to reuniting with these children, and I couldn’t be happier to have such close ties with the JCCA.

Tyler Bond, Byram Hills, Junior

1. What does your volunteer work entail?
I created and lead Armonk to Africa (A2A) which is a cultural exchange and traditional letter writing program connecting Armonk’s Wampus Elementary School and the Esilalei Primary School in Tanzania, Africa. Once a month I meet with the fifth grade Wampus VIP Jr. Club where I lead the students through activities thoughtfully designed to foster authentic connections with their new friends in Africa and to expand their understanding of the world beyond Armonk.

2. What inspired you to take this on?
My Aunt Monica is a wildlife biologist and activist who has lived and worked in Tanzania for many years studying giraffes and educating people about ways to protect wildlife. Since I was very young, I felt a connection to the work Monica was doing and hoped to one day make a difference too. As I learned about life in Tanzania, I felt a deep compassion for the children there who do not have basic needs met, such as food and water to go to school. At the same time, I was inspired by their big smiles and all that we share in common and thought what a unique and special experience it would be to connect kids in my hometown with kids in Tanzania.

3. What do people get from your volunteer efforts?
The children that are participating in A2A are so excited when they get their new letters. Having a friend halfway across the world is pretty cool! They always reveal something new, they didn’t know before.

It is my goal that the children of A2A will get to know a bigger world than their own. The students I am teaching are gaining a new cultural appreciation and perspective that they didn’t have before.

It is my greatest hope that with the community’s support and beyond, that Armonk to Africa is going to be able to provide every child at the Esilalei School a meal a day at school for a year.

4. How does volunteering make you feel?
Watching the enthusiasm and happiness when students read and write their letters makes me so happy and very proud of the program. I can see their surprise and amazement as they get to know someone their own age who lives in Africa.

5. Do you have plans to continue your volunteer work?
I hope to continue the Armonk to Africa cultural exchange program. I will be launching the Food for Thought fundraising campaign in hopes that by the start of the new school year, the Esilalei school can open its doors ready with food and water for every child. 

I will be travelling to Tanzania to meet and spend time with the students at the Esilalei school this summer!  I can’t wait!!!  If you would like to donate to Food for Thought, visit my website, Armonk2Africa.org

 

Evan McCauley, Byram Hills, Junior

1. What does your volunteer work entail?
I perform piano at nursing homes and assisted living communities for the residents on a regular basis. The performances are held in common areas where the residents come together for entertainment.

2. What inspired you to take this on?
Music is proven to help improve memory and brain function and to brighten mood. At home, I have seen the difference that it makes when I play for my grandparents.

3. What do people get from your volunteer efforts?
Hopefully, my music helps improve the quality of people’s lives.

4. How does volunteering make you feel?
It makes me feel very happy to bring joy to people through music. I play well known jazz standards which evoke nostalgia for the residents. It is very rewarding when I hear them sing and hum along, and I see them smiling. I know that they recognize and are enjoying the songs.

5. Do you plan to continue your volunteer work?
I plan to continue my volunteer work in order to spread the gift of music in my community.

In summary, volunteering is an indispensable pillar in our society and a great contribution to the community. These three students have shown great dedication to volunteerism, and hope they inspire others to pursue volunteer work in their community and beyond.