CSI Guitar Ensemble (Seated, L to R: Alfred DeRosa, Danny Muccio, Jenna Calderon, and Patrick Granton) and Dr. Morales

Staten Island’s Lavelle College Preparatory School hosted its annual fundraising dinner this summer where they honored CSI President Dr. Tomás D. Morales for his efforts in reaching out to area secondary schools as they prepare their students for college.  

As a treat for those attending, CSI’s Guitar Ensemble, led by Professor Edward Brown, performed during the fundraiser’s cocktail hour. The ensemble, composed of a quartet of students enrolled in CSI’s Guitar Ensemble course, regularly performs for local events and gatherings.  

The quartet who took part in the fundraiser were part of a group of about 30 of Brown’s students who “took something and made it their own,” according to Brown. The quartet has played many events including the Richmond County Fair and the Belle Letters Society of Staten Island. Professor Brown’s Guitar Ensemble course gives “guitar players a chance to play with other guitar players and hone their music reading skills.” 

The CSI Guitar Ensemble will next perform during their CSI Fall Recital on Thursday, December 8  at 7:30pm in the Center for the Arts Recital Hall, Building 1P, Room 120. 

Lavelle Preparatory School is located on One Corporate Commons and its mission is to aid its students in overcoming barriers and fulfill the college promise. The charter school is currently enrolling students for grades 6 though 8, adding a new Grade 6 each year until it is comprised of grades 6 through 12.