The Port Chester Middle School Band, under the direction of Solomon Elyaho, recently welcomed special guest Joe Rutkowski, an accomplished musician, educator, and clinician whose decades of experience brought energy and inspiration to students.

Rutkowski, a nationally recognized educator and performer, worked with both the 6th Grade Band and Jazz Band, focusing on tone, balance, musical expression, and the importance of listening within an ensemble.

“It was a really high-energy afternoon,” Elyaho shared. “With over 120 sixth graders in one room, Joe was great at reading the room and adjusting in real time. The kids responded because he reacted to them.”

Rutkowski emphasized tone production and dynamic control, using techniques like singing rhythms to help students internalize the music. In Jazz Band, he focused on style and phrasing, helping students understand the “why” behind what they were playing.

The impact was immediate. “We had a real breakthrough with concepts I’ve been working on for weeks,” Elyaho said. “Hearing it from someone new helped everything click and elevated the group’s sound.”

Beyond musical skills, Rutkowski also modeled professionalism and joy in performance. “He showed students that being a ‘pro’ means being focused and respectful, but also having fun,” Elyaho added.

This experience provided students with a fresh perspective and meaningful insight into musicianship.