Colbert students present spring concert; Edith McIntosh scholarship awarded

Colbert School students performed band, orchestra and chorus selections at the Rockville Centre Union Free School District’s spring concert, and the district presented the Edith McIntosh scholarship to an elementary student.

The program featured multiple student ensembles and soloists and included announcements about upcoming music events, including an instrument-selection night on June 16 at Southside Middle School and an annual alumni recital the following evening. District arts staff and music teachers led the evening and thanked families, facilities staff and the Board of Education for support.

The concert opened with remarks introducing the evening’s ensembles and music staff. Kathleen Marr, Rockville Centre’s director of arts, welcomed families, saying, "Good evening, everybody. Welcome to this exciting night for all of our covert musicians." Marr told families that middle school music teachers "are ready and waiting with open arms and excitement to welcome your students to Southside Middle School in the fall." Teachers Jessica Herman (orchestra), Chrissy Bach (band) and Kimberly Corona (recorders and chorus) were credited as conductors for the evening.

Student performers spoke between pieces to introduce music and explain elements of the repertoire. Genesis, a student who plays violin, said, "My favorite thing about orchestra is that it shows us shows us that together we can make something beautiful." Other students described instruments, techniques (for example, "double stop" playing), and favorite sections of songs as they introduced each piece.

Midway through the program, Marr presented the Edith McIntosh scholarship, an endowed award that the district said is given annually to one elementary, one middle and one high school student. Reading an excerpt from the winner’s application, Marr said the recipient had written the scholarship would allow her "to begin to realize my musical dream by saving up my money and to get private vocal lessons." Marr announced, "I'm so proud to award this year's Edith Macintosh scholarship to Anaya Barton."

Staff used the program to share logistical details with families: the district encouraged families to follow the Arts RBC Instagram account for updates; it reminded fourth-grade families that the instrument-selection night is Monday, June 16 at 7 p.m. in the middle school auditorium, where high school students will demonstrate instruments and families can complete a Google form to indicate instrument preferences. Staff also thanked custodial and facilities crews for concert support and noted pick-up locations for ensembles after the concert (orchestra students in Room 120; band in Room 118; recorder students in Room 112; chorus exiting out the back).

The evening closed with final chorus pieces and a round of applause for students and staff.

Attribution note: quotes and attributions in this story come from speakers identified in the event program and the concert transcript.