Scores of sixth and seventh graders made beautiful music at the Willets Road Middle School Spring Concert on Thursday, June 4. The talent radiated from the groups and the solos showcased students’ special skills, enabling all to shine. An impressive number of musicians had participated in the NYSSMA (New York State Music Association) Solo Festival and went on to perform as All County Musicians.

The program began with Denise Giuliano conducting the Chamber Orchestra, which performed “Marine’s Hymn–Patriotic” by Jacques Offenbach, “One Hand One Heart” from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein and “Star Wars Theme Song” by John Williams.

Next up were the swinging sounds of Jazz Band, under the direction of Scott Hoefling. The group played “Swing Theory” by Mike Story, “The Blues Walk” by Clifford Brown and arranged by Paul Murtha, “Baby That’s What I Need” by Joseph Zawinul and arranged by Vince Gassi, “Coral Reef” by Neil Hefti and arranged by Roy Phillippe and “Mary Ann,” the Ray Charles hit, which was arranged by Michael Sweeney.

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Giuliano returned to the stage to conduct the Concert Orchestra performing “Fancy Fiddles” by Mark Williams, “Concerto in C Major” by Antonio Vivaldi, “Tango Tracadero” by Merle Isaac and the “Theme from New York, New York” by John Kander.

Karen Brandine followed with the Broadway Stars, who sang “Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Irving Berlin, “California Dreamin’” by John Phillips, “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder, “Life of the Party” by Ido Zmishlany and Scott Harris, and “We Go Together” from Grease by Warren Casey and Jim Jacobs. Choreographed hand gestures and full-blown dance numbers complemented the singers’ sweet sounds.

More than 100 musicians took the stage for the final act. Hoefling conducted the Concert Band as they performed “Cyclone” by Michael Oare, “Linden Lea” by Ralph Vaughan Williams and arranged by Douglas Wagner, “Variations on ‘Russian Sailor’s Dance’” by Reinhold Gliere and arranged by David Bobrowitz, “Last Full Measure (A Gettysburg Remembrance)” by Michael Sweeney and “Blue Ridge Reel” by Brian Balmages.

The upbeat songs and enthusiastic performances turned touching when Broadway Stars dedicated “Life of the Party” to classmate Ally Sonstein, who was unable to participate in this year’s concert while she is being treated for cancer. One of the most wonderful aspects of being in such a close-knit school district is how all of these children grown up together and wholeheartedly look after one another. The audience could feel the love—and so could Ally. The outpouring of support has helped lift her spirits throughout the battle that her mother, Susan Sonstein, equates to running a marathon. The entire school district is cheering for Ally to cross the finish line. Stay strong, Ally!