Mineola Winter Concerts Showcase Young Talent

's Monday night concert was nothing short of a success, by all accounts. Students from the ninth through twelfth grades gathered to perform classic Christmas-time hits, ones they have been mastering all semester. Often receiving standing ovations upon the completion of a piece, parents and administrative staff were wowed by the quality of the music they heard.

The ninth and tenth grade orchestra opened with old-time hits, such as songs from the 1986 hit, Babes in Toyland. These orchestras encompass any interested students in Mineola High School. As students' skill levels improve, they can join more specialized musical groups, such as the jazz band, select choruses or the string ensemble. "The musicianship was excellent," District Supervisor of Fine & Performing Arts Peter Freeman said.

Ten musical groups were set to perform Monday night, including the chorus groups, from the general chorus, the a capella group and the "Dynamics" (a more specialized group of student singers who focus on up tempo hits). The 26-member a capella group, is the most highly trained singing group in the school. Often performing at Old Westbury Gardens, the group frequently puts on holiday performances around the town. At the school concert, the a capella group performed classic Christmas tunes including The First Noel, receiving a standing ovation.

's singing group, coined "The Dynamics," performed classic up-tempo hits, such as The Beatles' Yesterday. The eleventh and twelfth grade orchestra, ninth and tenth grade band, string ensemble, and eleventh and twelfth grade band all took the stage during the night as well. Though the level of training and talent differs from one group to another – students interested in the jazz band must audition to be a part of the group – all students are encouraged to get involved in Mineola's expansive musical programs.

"Music is vital," Freeman said. "We don't just teach math, science or music. We teach students how to express themselves in new and different ways, even when students don't speak English very fluently. We teach them different ways to think."

The district tries to be as inclusive as possible when it comes to musical programs. Students are encouraged to join musical programs within the school environment, as administrators know that such musical education helps students achieve greater results academically. 

"None of this would be possible," remarked Freeman "if we did not have such a supportive board of education and superintendent."