The Highland Central School District’s Music Department held its highly anticipated 65th Annual Scholarship Concerts in March, celebrating the dedication and talent of student musicians and vocalists. These performances, which took place during Music in Our Schools Month, showcased a wide range of musical ensembles, highlighting the District’s strong commitment to music education.
    

The first of the two concerts, held in the High School auditorium on March 12, focused on choral performances. Under the direction of Jodie McCaffrey, the Fourth and Fifth Grade Choruses opened the show, performing songs such as “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” “The Never Ending Story,” and “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” Next, the Sixth Grade Choir and the Seventh and Eighth Grade Choir, led by Cailin Cienki, took the stage. The students showcased their vocal talents with songs like “Pure Imagination,” “Break Free,” and “Roar.”
    

The evening concluded with a performance by the High School Choir, which captivated the audience with “Viva la Musica” and “Friday I’m in Love.”
    

The second concert, held on March 17, featured an impressive lineup of instrumental performances in a “round style” format in the High School gymnasium. The evening began with a combined performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by students in Grades 5-12 and continued with selections by the Fifth Grade Band (under the direction of Karen Adamec); the Middle School Jazz Ensemble, Sixth Grade Band, and Seventh and Eighth Grade Band (under the direction of Vincent Rizzi); and the High School Jazz Ensemble and Concert Band (under the direction of Dan Shaut).
    

The concert concluded with a combined finale—an energetic performance of “Theme from New York, New York.”
    

Since its inception in 1959, the Highland Music Department Scholarship Fund has awarded thousands of dollars to graduating HHS seniors who exemplify leadership, musicianship, dedication, and professionalism in the instrumental and choral programs. The scholarship continues to support students in their musical journeys, ensuring a lasting impact on their education and careers.

The Highland Music Department extends its gratitude to parents, faculty, staff, administrators, and the entire community for their unwavering support in fostering a love for music. These annual concerts not only showcase student achievements but also reinforce the District’s commitment to providing a high-quality music education.
    

“Our students put in an incredible amount of hard work and dedication to prepare for these performances, and it’s truly inspiring to see their passion for music shine on stage,” said Adamec, who serves as the Music Department coordinator. “The support from our community makes all the difference in ensuring that music education remains a vibrant part of Highlands schools.”