By Kimberly Roman
This was the first time Stavrou was involved in an All-County music rehearsal.
She was nervous, just like the rest of the newcomers, yet she was determined to follow through with her plans.
Even with the chaos of students scattering about not knowing exactly what to do and holding onto their friends and their instruments, Stavrou remained calm.
I was very nervous when I was coming here, but I am not anymore, Stavrou said. I like playing in the big band; I like how it sounds.
The All-County Music Festival is comprised of band, orchestra and chorus. Each grade from fifth to twelfth has a select division.
About 86 students will represent Rockville Centre, said Michael Abresch, the Rockville Centre School District music director. It is a great honor and a good size for our community.
However, this new beginning for Stavrou and her peers, at times, is not an easy task.
With two long rehearsals before the final performance on stage in front of their parents, students worked hard.
Orchestra students were learning how to hold their bows properly while they were waiting for their conductor. Band students were learning what the rest note stood for, while chorus students learned the secret of holding a note for a long time.
But as James Geraci, a senior at South Side High school and a veteran of the All-County Musical Festival, said the hard work is worth it.
My advice to the younger kids is to enjoy it, Geraci said. The practicing pays off.
And enjoy it they did.
As the orchestra students walked on stage at the Tilles Center at C.W. Post for their final performance Sunday, Jan. 13, they giggled and stomped their feet in compliance with their conductor.
And then they were off into a world of music such as Hopak and The English Folk Song.
This is my first time here, Jonathan Koppel of Wilson Elementary School said. I am having a lot of fun. It
