Student creativity and musicianship took center stage at the 63rd annual Sewanhaka District Music Festival and Art Exhibit, hosted at Sewanhaka High School on Feb. 5. The annual celebration brings together talented performers and artists from all five school buildings for an evening that showcases both visual and performing arts.
A total of 186 student-musicians earned their place in the festival’s band, chorus and orchestra through auditions. In addition, more than 250 student-artists from across the district displayed their work throughout the main lobby and hallways, transforming the space into a vibrant gallery that welcomed guests with an array of imaginative and expressive pieces.
The evening opened with the District Festival Orchestra, led by guest conductor Hahnsol Kim, delivering an engaging program that included selections from “Romeo and Juliet,” themes from “Piano Concerto No. 2,” “We Are the Champions” and the triumphant finale of “Symphony No. 5.”
The District Festival Chorus, under the direction of guest conductor James Ludwig, impressed the audience with expressive performances of “The Cuckoo,” “Wanting Memories,” “Across the Universe” and “Run, Mary, Run.”
The celebration concluded with the District Festival Band, under the direction of guest conductor Richard Fields, whose energetic set featured “Summit,” “Russian Sailors Dance,” “Novena” and “The Country Club Stomp.”
Each year, the festival recognizes an individual whose dedication has made a lasting impact on the district and school communities. This year’s honoree is retired Superintendent of Schools Warren A. Meierdiercks, a proud Elmont native and Sewanhaka High School graduate whose leadership and commitment have left a meaningful legacy.
