While called the Faculty Recital, the annual music showcase in the Massapequa School District has grown to feature the greater music community. The 14th annual event on Feb. 4 in the high school’s Baldwin Auditorium included teachers, administrators, retired staff, students and alumni.
There were 19 selections in the two-part program, ranging from solos and duets to full ensemble performances. Over the course of the evening, dozens of musicians took the stage to share their vocal and instrumental talents.
The opening performance was not listed on the program as it was a surprise for retiring high school band teacher Eva Arnold. Senior Roman Price on guitar, senior Michael Mullooly on bass and junior Dylan Patton on drums played “Cliffs of Dover” by Eric Johnson. Roman said it was a song Ms. Arnold encouraged him to learn as a sophomore, and two years later he and his friends accomplished it.
Another highlight was the first-half finale, “Concerto Gross.” Ms. Arnold, orchestra teacher and Ilena Dempsey and Director of Fine and Performing Arts Vincent Green all played different kazoos while accompanied by high school orchestra students and district music teachers. The elaborate costumes and music antics entertained the crowd of a few hundred students, staff, parents and community members.
High school and middle school students from the Tri-M Music Honor Society volunteered at the event, with the senior officers introducing each act. The Faculty Recital served as fundraiser with all donations going toward scholarships for graduating music students.