Rockville Centre Schools celebrate holidays with student concerts

Riverside, Covert, Hewitt, and South Side students performed festive music throughout early December

Posted Friday, December 19, 2025 7:29 am

Hewitt’s fourth–grade chorus beautifully sang three songs under the direction of Kate Price.

Courtesy Kathleen Mark

The Covert orchestra performed “Three Holiday Vignettes,” “Candlelight,” and “Candy Canes and Cocoa” on Dec. 2.

Courtesy Kathleen Mark

The Hewitt Elementary School band performed two songs that were composed, arranged, and conducted by teacher Keith Hiam.

Courtesy Kathleen Mark

The third-grade recorder performers at Riverside Elementary School looked cool while performing “Keep Cool” on Dec. 1.

Courtesy Kathleen Mark

The percussionists in the eighth-grade South Side Middle School band carefully read their music during the Dec. 9 concert.

Courtesy Kathleen Mark

Covert Elementary School fourth grader Patrick Hanophy delivered a special message to the audience prior to a chorus song.

Courtesy Kathleen Mark

By Brian Kacharaba

The beginning of December brought festive holiday performances from Riverside, Covert, and Hewitt Elementary Schools, as well as South Side Middle School, with each school offering an exciting array of music that celebrated the season.

Riverside Elementary opened the concert series on Dec. 1 with a delightful mix of performances. The third-grade recorder players, K-2 singers, and fourth and fifth-grade chorus presented selections like "Dreidel Medley," "Deck the Halls," and "Snow is Falling Today." The choruses also performed "Ev'rybody's Goin' On A Sleigh Ride" and "Peppermint Candy Cane," spreading holiday cheer.

Covert Elementary followed the next night, with performances by the orchestra, band, and fourth and fifth-grade chorus. Highlights included "Three Holiday Vignettes," "Deck the Halls," and "Lights of Hanukkah," along with "Candy-Covered Gingerbread House" and "Carol of the Bells." The chorus wrapped up the concert with "Snow," leaving the audience full of festive joy.

Hewitt Elementary’s concert on Dec. 3 featured the orchestra, band, and choruses performing songs like "Dreidel Mashup," "Good King Wenceslas," and "Hot Chocolate" from The Polar Express. The fifth-grade chorus performed "The Chipmunk Song," and the entire school sang "Light Up The Tree" to celebrate the season. Hanukkah songs such as "Chanukah Festival" and "Celebrate Hanukkah" were also featured.

Finally, South Side Middle School’s eighth-grade concert on Dec. 9 showcased the orchestra, band, and chorus performing a mix of classical and contemporary works. The orchestra played "Adirondack Sleighride," the band rocked with "Crazy Train," and the chorus sang "Hallelujah." Other standout pieces included "Inverno" (Scenes from Vivaldi's Winter), "Defying Gravity," and "Theme from the New World Symphony."

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