Barton Elementary Musicians Play Spring Concert at Saxton

The Barton Elementary School music program displayed students who participated in NYSSMA, SCMEA, and All-District ensembles.

Held at Saxton Middle School on Tuesday night, the Barton Elementary School Spring Concert served as a showcase for these student musicians.

Under the direction of Mrs. Rudnicki, the 4th and 5th Grade Chorus recently won NYSSMA's Silver Medal Choir distinction. These students ended the concert with their performance of "Each of Us Has a Light", using a drum that was donated in the memory of Donna Finnerty, a parent who passed away earlier this year. Their energetic rendition of "We Go Together" from Grease earned the chorus a standing ovation.

Also directed by Mrs. Rudnicki, the Barton Show Choir and Barton Recorder Ensemble "Strolled Along" to "Strike Up the Band" and earned hearty applause from the audience. The Show Choir includes 5 SCMEA participants, 16 NYSSMA soloists, and 7 members of the All-District Show Choir. All 7 members of the Barton Recorder Ensemble participated in the 42nd Annual Eugene Reichtenthal Recorder Festival Day. Sponsored by SCMEA, these young musicians joined 300 recorder students from across Long Island for a full day of rehearsals and an afternoon concert.

The students in the Orchestra Program, 4th Grade Band, and 5th Grade Band all performed in the concert.

The Orchestra Program opened their set with "Snake Charmer", an exotic song that ended in an enthusiastic scream from the musicians. The students were directed by Dan Jacobs. 

The 4th Grade Band and the 5th Grade Band were directed by Ms. Karbowiak, who led both bands through "Tomahawk Dance" and "Trade Winds", two pieces composed by Andrew Balent. Numerous students in the instrumental ensembles are All-District, NYSSMA, and SCMEA musicians.

Barton Elementary School Principal Judith Soltner told the audience that they would see 'numerous talent and potential' in the children.