The orchestra ensembles from Rocky Point Middle School and Rocky Point High School, under the direction of Mrs. Meghan Walter and Mr. Nicholas Butcher, performed in the annual “Night of Strings” concert at the Rocky Point High School auditorium on March 21. In what made for a captivating showcase of musical talent, student musicians in the various orchestra ensembles astounded family, faculty and administrators with a variety of musical selections during the annual event. This was a special night to highlight and celebrate the skills and accomplishments of the students involved in the Rocky Point Music Department’s string program.
The evening included performances by the Middle School Beginning Orchestra, 6th Grade Orchestra, 7th Grade Orchestra, 8th Grade Orchestra and High School Orchestra. The performance also included a selection with the combined 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade orchestral groups, as well as a finale to end the evening where the 8th Grade Orchestra joined forces with the High School Orchestra. Each ensemble had the opportunity to play at least two selections and the night displayed the increase in levels from one group to the next. This was a great way to feature the string program and show the advancement between ensembles. This also provided a wonderful opportunity for the 8th grade orchestra members to play with the High School musicians and get preview of what their High School experience will entail.
The concert kicked off with the Middle School Beginning Orchestra, under the direction of Mrs. Meghan Walter, playing a joyful selection of favorites including Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” A highlight from the Middle School portion of the program included combining all of the students in the 6th-8th grade ensembles for a performance of composer Brian Balmages’ “Momentus.” The High School Orchestra, which includes students in grades 9-12, then took the stage and began with a selection by Baroque composer Henry Purcell, “Adagio and Canzona from Ode for Saint Cecilia Day.” This piece featured the student trio of Evan DeRosa, Sofia Haviland and Sola Matsumoto. The concert concluded with a finale, “Greater Than,” directed by Mr. Nicholas Butcher, which included the 8th Grade Orchestra combining with the High School Orchestra. The night was truly magical and enjoyed by everyone who attended this special celebration of orchestral music.
“Congratulations to all the Rocky Point Orchestra students on a fantastic set of performances at the annual “Night of Strings” concert, Middle School Orchestra Director Meghan Walter said. “It is always a treat to work with all of our students in one night. It’s a wonderful opportunity to highlight the growth and the potential that our string program offers. Mr. Butcher and I are so proud of all of the string students. Thank you for being a valuable part of our music program!”
“Congratulations to the Middle School and High School orchestra groups on a wonderful “Night of Strings” concert,” a joint message from Rocky Point Music Department Chairpersons Mr. Craig Knapp and Ms. Amy Schecher read. “We are very thankful and proud of the work that both Mrs. Walter and Mr. Butcher do to provide worthwhile, musical experiences for their students. The music students continue to work extremely hard this year and we are lucky to have such dedicated and proficient student performers in Rocky Point. We hope the students and their families are as proud of the performances as the music faculty members are. We would like to thank the parents for supporting and encouraging their children’s interest in music. We would also like to thank the Rocky Point Administration and Board of Education for their continued support of our district’s music programs.”
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Date Added: 3/26/2024