By Shin Park

As holiday songs continue to be a favorite music genre in December, you get into the Christmas spirit early this year by listening to South High’s symphony orchestra and concert choir as they perform classical holiday songs in Long Island Music Hall of Fame’s Holiday Concert at The SPACE at Westbury Theatre on Sunday, November 17. 

Founded in 2004, The Long Island Music Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to recognizing musicians of Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings Counties. Its members commit themselves to the celebration and preservation of musical heritage, and its mission focuses on inspiring and exploring music in all its forms. This year, they are hosting the Holiday Concert in order to raise donations to fund educational music programs, and schools commended for their extraordinary musical talent like Great Neck South High School—along with Middle Island’s Longwood High, Great Neck North High School, Farmingdale High School, Uniondale High School, Great Neck South High School and Fresh Meadows’ St. Francis Preparatory High School—have been invited to perform in the event. Special guests Blue Oyster Cult’s Al Bouchard, Lords of 52nd Street’s Dave Clark, Billy Joel’s lead guitarist Tommy Byrnes, legendary saxophone player John Scarpulla, and the LI American Idol contestant Christiaan Padavan are anticipated to join as well. 

Over 100 students in South’s symphony orchestra and concert choir are to perform in the repertoire prepared by the music department chairperson, Dr. Michael Schwartz, and the choir teacher, Dr. Janine Robinson. The setlist includes popular Christmas songs like  “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls,” as well as classical holiday songs. 

As a member of the school’s choir and a prospective Music Education major, senior Theodore Chang said that he is excited to be performing at the concert. He also “strongly believe[s] there is a great value in the performing arts in schools. They foster creativity, teamwork and are a good way for students to let out steam/express themselves.” 

Dr. Robinson shares the sentiment; she is proud of her students and feels privileged to work in a school that holds the performing arts in high regard. “We would love to see members of school in the audience as we share this unique and prestigious experience,” she said.

You can buy tickets for the concert here: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E348532&id=1