Sewanhaka schools host District Music Festival

The 50th annual District Music Festival, sponsored by the Sewanhaka Central High School District, was held at the New Hyde Park Memorial High School on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 7:30 p.m. The event featured the most talented young musicians from each of the district’s five schools, including the New Hyde Park, Sewanhaka, H. Frank Carey, Elmont Memorial and Floral Park Memorial high schools. Students were selected by audition in November, and more than 300 students from the district participated.

The festival included performances by the district orchestra, band and choir, under the direction of three noted guest conductors who have garnered accolades throughout the Metropolitan area.

A music educator for 17 years, Tracey Campbell supervises the Orchestra and String Ensemble at Mineola High School. Campbell earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education at Queens College, and is a graduate of Floral Park Memorial High School, where she participated in district concerts as a violinist.

A graduate of Long Island University, with additional degrees from Clemson University and Western Carolina University, John Fallon has been director of choral music at Walhalla High School in South Carolina for the past 33 years. Fallon has performed in numerous choral festivals, including the Tilles Invitational Festival and Disney Magic Music Days Festival.

Benjamin J. Coleman, the festival’s band conductor, is currently principal clarinetist and a soloist with the Rockaway/Five-Towns Symphony Orchestra. Coleman earned a bachelor’s degree in music in performance, and a master’s degree in music education from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. He also earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and technology from Adelphi University.

Following the District Music Festival was an art exhibit, including pieces from more than 250 students from the Elmont, Floral Park, H. Frank Carey, New Hyde Park and Sewanhaka high schools.