Featuring the finest instrumental and vocal musicians selected by audition from its four secondary schools, the Valley Stream High School District's 43rd Annual District Music Festival will be held on Friday, March 17, with two performances in Central High School's Keller Auditorium on Fletcher Ave.

At 9:45 a.m. there will be a free preview concert for senior citizens and elementary school students to which Dean Karahalis, district director of fine and performing arts, cordially invites all senior citizens to attend.

The regular evening concert takes place at 8 p.m., with proceeds going to the PTA Scholarship Fund and the District Music Festival scholarships. Since the concert falls on St. Patrick's Day, Karahalis has arranged for a bagpiper to play from 7 to 8 p.m. in the auditorium lobby.

Performing at 8 p.m. will be the students in the District Symphony Orchestra conducted by Central High School orchestra/band director Robert Pratt; the District Festival Chorus, led by Central High choral director Brian Hough; and the District Concert Band, under the baton of Memorial Junior High band conductor Lawrence Waite.

South High violinist Eva Kiviat has been selected to the honor of concertmistress of the district orchestra; Central High clarinetist Christine Barcellino was chosen concertmistress of the district band. Over 250 students will be performing in the three groups.

Always an eagerly-awaited announcement, midway through the evening concert, Deputy Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marie Connolly, will announce the winners of this year's three District Music Festival scholarships, presented to the top musician graduating this June from Central, North and South High Schools.

Tickets for the sell-out event may be purchased in advance for $5 from the school music departments. Admission at the door is $8. Seating is on a first-come basis. The concert's snowdate is the next night, Saturday, March 18, same time, same place.