New Hyde Park Road School Christmas Concert

The held its annual Christmas concert on Thursday which put on display the talents of the school's fourth, fifth and sixth grade chorus and band members.

With just about an hour to perform, the musicians wowed their audience with well-orchestrated renditions of popular holiday songs such as Winter Wonderland, Christmas Time is Here, O, Hanukkah and St. Nick At Night, to name a few.

The concert, which consisted of a junior and senior chorus, was conducted by Vincent Marquardt. Marquardt said the children have been meeting twice a week since September in preparation for the concert.

"It always amazes me that we are always able to pull it together despite their childhood distractions," Marquardt said.

Stage band instructor Bruce Dedrick agreed. "These kids are motivated and we have a lot of fun playing," he says.

Jillian Fager, one of the 75 fourth grade junior chorus members, said she felt "proud" and "excited" that she performed in front of everyone.

The senior chorus, which is comprised of about 60 students in grades five and six, performed favorites such as Sleigh Ride and Lots of Latkes.

Claire Friel, sixth grade senior chorus member, said she was happy to sing for everyone. "I love performing," she said, adding, "it is a lot of fun to sing for everyone and it is great to see everyone enjoying what we are doing."

The stage band, which consisted of about 25 students from both the New Hyde Park Road School and Garden City Park School, ended the show with Jingle Bell Jam and Celebration.

The Gladiator March, Jubilate Deo, Believe (from the movie Polar Express) and Chanukah Folk Song were also performed by the concert band. The stage band and senior chorus also performed the Hallelujah Chorus, from G.F Handel's "The Messiah."

The string orchestra, conducted by Steven Siracusa, who also played the piano throughout several songs, performed the folk song, Skip to My Lou, the English Chanty Jolly Rancher and The English Yiddish Song, Chanukah, Oh Chanukah.

Principal Peggy Marenghi was proud of her school and she saluted the musicians and their talent. "The Road School music department produced and outstanding concert, enjoyed by faculty and community members," she said.

New Hyde Park - Garden City Park Union Free School District Superintendent addressed the audience and reminded everyone of the schools' three special gifts: "Talented staff," "the musical talents of the students," and "the talent of parents, who gave the school the best gift of all -- their children."

Katulak added, "we hope to continue this musical tradition for the next 50 years."