1997 Ends in Song With Holiday Concerts

By Amy Edel

The students of the Garden City Public Schools held several Holiday Concerts throughout December for the enjoyment of their families, friends, and neighbors. Each concert was a delight for all who attended and an exciting opportunity for the students to demonstrate the evolution of their musical studies for the community. All of the concerts were well attended and produced overwhelmingly positive rounds of applause.

Stratford School was very proud to announce that 25 of their students were invited to represent the Stratford Avenue School Fifth-Grade Chorus by three of the community's businesses. The children performed at the Seventh Street branch of the Bank of New York in Garden City, the Garden City Hotel, and Barnes & Noble in the Country Glen Shopping Center on Old Country Road in Carle Place. Adrienne Werring, a vocal music teacher at Stratford, directed the concerts of traditional carols and holiday songs.

A special concert was prepared for the Stratford School Holiday Concert by Susan Priest's and Andrea Maloney's third-grade classes entitled It's a Small World. The children performed songs, some of which were in foreign languages, celebrating the rich cultural history of holidays such as Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, Chanukah, and Christmas. Recorders and drums provided musical accompaniment to the global tunes. Also performing at the concert were the school's orchestra and band, both under the direction of Frank Benvenuto. The fourth- and fifth-grade choruses also performed under the direction of Adrienne Werring.

Other such magical holiday concerts were also held at the other primary and elementary schools to the delight of the parents and friends in attendance.

A special concert was held for the Senior Connections group at the high school. The high school students from the band, orchestra, choir, and Madrigals, all performed for the friends that they have made through the Senior Connections programs and events. The concert was produced by Band Director James McCrann, Orchestra Director Margaret Gullotta, and Madrigals Director Dr. Lydia Morrongiello. A holiday reception followed the performances and the seniors and students shared holiday treats provided by Kathy Maher's students. High School Principal John Okulski and Superintendent Dr. Lee Wilson both welcomed the guests and enjoyed the wonderful concert and reception as well.

The year was brought to a happy and festive end with music thanks to the hard work of the students and faculty of the Garden City schools. The community is very grateful to all of the musicians who made the last month of 1997 so happy and heartwarming. Everyone looks forward to sharing more music and friendship in 1998.