The music exploration class at Newark High School was playing the blues.

They started with the beat, testing the right combinations of drum kits and instruments. Then it was on to the bass, mapping out a rhythm to match the drum rhythms written on the white board.

As they experimented, teacher Rosaria Macera jumped back and forth between students, making sure they kept time and arranged everything right.

How do you have a room full of kids learn drums, bass, guitar and piano all in one sitting, all at the same time? Give them a tablet computer with the right app, and cue the music.

“It’s definitely something different,” said Josh Morello, a 14-year-old student. “Honestly, it’s a very fun experience. I’ve honestly made some very good music that I never thought I could make.”

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The annual list of music directors shines the spotlight on an incredible array of outstanding educators from every corner of the United States

Rosaria Macera, an instrumental music teacher and director at Newark High School and Shue-Medill Middle School, has been chosen for School Band and Orchestra Magazine’s 16th annual “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” report. The annual list of outstanding music directors shines the spotlight on an incredible array of outstanding educators from every corner of the United States. Those chosen for the list are nominated by readers and selected by SBO’s editorial staff. She has been teaching for 26 years and has a total of 292 instrumental music students.

“As a teacher, my proudest moment was achieving National Board Certification, but as a music educator, my proudest moment was performing on the stages of the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall with my students,” Macera said. “Working with students for up to seven years before graduation gives me a chance to really connect with them as individuals. During that time, I would hope to have made a difference in students’ lives by instilling a love of music and creating life-long learners. I want to teach students, by example, how music can enrich one’s life. I hope to share with them what I am passionate about and what brings me joy.”

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