South Side High School graduates return for Alumni Concert

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Former Rockville Centre high-schoolers showcased their musical talents at an Alumni Concert held at South Side Middle School on June 11.

Each year, the Rockville Centre Sponsors of the Arts hosts the concert, which reunites former students with faculty through music, as they return to the stage to once again perform for the families and friends that fill the auditorium.

“I not only believe that the formidable music program at South Side High School has had a positive impact on our development, but also that the annual Alumni Concert fosters the growing community of South Side’s music alumni and creates a friendly space to network and promote our new album,” said 2016 graduate Dan Masotti, a former International Baccalaureate music student and a guitarist and vocalist for the group, Fake Frank, who performed at the concert.

The evening highlighted the musical talents of several former students — both vocally and instrumentally. “All of them have music as an important part of their lives and it seems to make them happier and better for it,” said Dr. Brian Zuar, the district’s director of the arts. “This is an affirmative answer to the question of why we offer music in our schools and why so many students engage in the performing arts and achieve such high levels of skill.”

South Side High School chorale teacher Dr. Doreen Fryling accompanied some of the acts on stage. “The alumni recital is a great opportunity for everyone involved,” she said in an email, adding that she enjoys seeing current students enjoying the music and meeting alumni. “Many of the musicians showcase their own compositions and collaborate with other alumni. I’m grateful that students return to share their musical gifts and that I get to make music with them again!”