All-County is a youthful 55

By RICHARD A. ROSS

MONTICELLO, NY — Stunning choral and instrumental music were the order of the day at the 55th annual All-County Music Festival held at Monticello High School on March 7. In the first of the day’s two concerts, audiences were enthralled by performances by the Elementary School Chorus, the Middle School Band and the String Orchestra. Later, the Women’s Chorus, Junior High School Band, the Jazz Ensemble and the Senior High Mixed Chorus capped off the day’s enchantment with a concert of their own.

Featuring 740 students who met the rigorous standards to perform in the seven ensembles, the concert showcased young musicians who were inordinately well prepared through the tireless efforts of 42 teachers from the Sullivan County Music Educators Association (SCMEA).

Renowned guest conductors were on hand to lead the ensembles in a day that was a testament to the artistic merits of the county’s best musicians. In his welcome, Monticello school superintendent Dr. Patrick Michel spoke about the value of music education in our schools and the need for vigilance to see that it is continued in these days of financial shortfalls.

Click here for an album of photos from the concert. A CD of those pictures can be purchased for $25. Checks should be made payable to The River Reporter, P.O. Box 150, Narrowsburg , NY 12764.