The 92-member District Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rebecca Hayden performed the "Boston Pops March," Vivaldi's "Concerto Grosso in D Minor," and Gustav Holst's "Jupiter: Bringer of Jollity" from his Planets Suite. Concertmaster of the orchestra was Central High 11th-grader Ron Li.
Conducting the District Festival Chorus was Debra Dudash, leading 118 voices in five varied numbers-Beethoven's "Hallelujah," Mozart's "Ave Verum Corpus," the Shaker tune "Simple Gifts," the popular number "Route 66," and the patriotic anthem "Battle Hymn of the Republic."
Closing the concert was the 83-member District Concert Band conducted by William Kerr, with North senior Jason Nappy serving as concertmaster. The three numbers they performed were the dramatic "Pilatus: Mountain of Dragons," "Satchmo!," a jazz tribute to Louis Armstrong, and "Fanfare and Hymn of Brotherhood."
Midway through the concert, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc F. Bernstein and District Coordinator of Fine & Performing Arts Dean Karahalis, announced the three winners of the $1,000 District Music Festival scholarships, which go to the top graduating musicians at Central, North and South High Schools.
The winners this year were North High's Carolyn Hempel, Central High's Daniel Hahl and South High's Julianna Ryan.
Hempel, who plays the flute and sings, has participated in North's band and chorus in grades 7-12; orchestra, grades 11-12; and was selected for the District Music Festival band and orchestra, for All-County Music honors; and for All-State Symphonic Band in grade 11.
Hahl plays bass clarinet and saxophone for Central's band; was selected for District Music Festival band, orchestra and chorus, the All-County band, All-State Band, grade 11, and All-State alternate, grade 12.
Ryan plays trombone and sings in South High's band and chorus, the women's choir and L.I. Connection; and was selected for District Festival Chorus and All-County Chorus.
All three are members of their school's Tri-M Music Honor Society, have received grades of A+ in NYSSMA All-State ratings, and perform in many other school and community musical groups as well.
