North Merrick Library hosts "Merricks Make Music" outdoor concert

The North Merrick Public Library recently jumped, jived and wailed with the help of the Calhoun High School Jazz Band, North Merrick Jazz Band, Merrick Avenue Middle School a cappella group Word of Mouth and the Calhoun-Mepham Chamber Orchestra. These groups performed on June 6 at the Library’s 6th Annual Merricks Make Music Outdoor Summer Concert, a showcase of local student musical talent kicking off the Library’s summer concert series.

The groups performed on and in front of the Town of Hempstead’s Mobile Stage, which Library officials arranged to have parked outside the building. The Calhoun Jazz Band, comprising students in grades nine to 12, performed under the direction of Ed Tumminelli. The North Merrick Jazz Band featured students from Camp Avenue, Fayette and Old Mill Road Schools under the baton of Peggy Rakas. Word of Mouth, a highly selective middle school vocal ensemble, was directed by Dana Brandwein. The Calhoun-Mepham Chamber Orchestra, an advanced string group, performed under the direction of Christopher Sutherland.