N. Bellmore celebrates musical milestones

The Dinkelmeyer band prepared to perform at the New York State School Music Association Major Organization Evaluation Festival, which was held at Hofstra University May 18 to 20.

Courtesy Emilie D’Andrilli

Julia Collins, Jordan Novak and Sophia Bonilla had high praise for their music teachers: Chakira Doherty, Desiree Behr and Emilie D’Andrilli.

Julie Mansman/Herald

The Martin Avenue senior chorus was one of three North Bellmore musical groups to earn a silver award this year.

Courtesy Emilie D’Andrilli/

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Jordan Novak was one of many students who wanted to join the Saw Mill Road Elementary School Serenaders, a select vocal musical group, in recent years. She explained that dozens of her peers wanted to be part of the ensemble of 40 fifth- and sixth-graders because not only do they learn new songs and languages from a popular teacher, but also they have loads of fun along the way.

The group’s joyful energy was apparent as they chatted eagerly on the bus en route to the New York State School Music Association Major Organization Evaluation Festival, which was held at Hofstra University from May 18 to 20. Novak said they shared their excitement and worries to prepare for what would be an award-winning performance.

“My expectations were extremely high, and we exceeded them,” she said. “There are so many amazing people in this group –– amazing friends –– and they all have beautiful voices.”

The Serenaders group was one of three North Bellmore School District ensembles to receive honors at the prestigious festival this year. Officials said it was both a wonderful achievement and another milestone for the district’s expanding music program.

North Bellmore students took home three silver awards for their vocal and instrumental performances. Honored groups included the Serenaders, directed by Chakira Doherty; the Dinkelmeyer senior band, led by Desiree Behr; and the Martin Avenue Elementary School senior chorus, conducted by Emilie D’Andrilli.

Each group went into the festival with plenty of practice, Doherty said. The children sang or played a number of the songs from their winter and spring concerts, ranging from jazz numbers to African tunes and Latin spirituals.

“At our December concert and in May, they sang in four different languages, which is intense for a group at any age,” she said of the Serenaders. “The fact that they were willing to do it and kind of jump in so wholeheartedly was really great.”