'Fine tuning' the arts in RVC's schools

In gratitude for what he considers to be the excellent arts education his children received in the Rockville Centre schools, village resident Anthony Roman is starting a charitable foundation — The Fine Tuning Project — to assist the district with its vision to grow and sustain a professional music and performing arts program and facility at South Side High School.

To kick off the project, raise awareness and garner support, the group will sponsor what it promises will be a star-studded performance by illustrious South Side alumni and faculty on Oct. 17 at 7:30 in South Side High School.

Music and theater alumni and faculty who have so far offered their time and talent to perform on that evening include Broadway actors Max von Essen and Tony Wolf, teachers Karen Faust Baer, Doreen Fryling and Debbie Schall and mezzo soprano Jennifer Barsamian, who most recently was heard in the title role in Carmen with New Jersey Verismo Opera and Dell’Arte Opera in New York City.

  Wolf and Von Essen will perform several songs from their Broadway repertoire. Ms. Baer, a renowned concert pianist and Juilliard graduate, will accompany Ms. Fryling, a professional vocalist, and Ms. Schall (also a Juilliard piano alumna) will play a duet with her husband, percussionist Gary Schall, who plays in the world renowned composer Steve Reich’s contemporary music ensemble. 

Organizers of the concert say this list may not be complete — they have reason to believe that other notable alumni may surprise the audience with appearances.