An extraordinary holiday music concert was performed by the incomparable Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra December 6th in the Newark High School auditorium delighting about 550 concert-goers at the beginning of this holiday season.
To view the designed article, with photos from the night, visit: https://5il.co/32vsc
The event was hosted by the Newark Central School District in conjunction with Wegmans, Lyons National Bank and the Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce. It was the 23rd year the concert has been held at NHS.
Before the concert began, Superintendent Susan Hasenauer read this message to the audience:
“On behalf of the Newark Central School District and the Newark Chamber of Commerce, I am excited to welcome each of you to our 23rd Annual Holiday concert featuring the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. The holiday season is always an exciting time, and we are so glad to have you here with us again this year to continue a Newark tradition and share an amazing night with this extremely talented group of musicians!
“As you can see by our community’s presence, music serves as a universal language that transcends barriers and brings individuals together. Not only does music have the power to uplift our spirits and evoke emotions, it also creates a sense of unity and gratitude amongst people.
“And tonight, we are very grateful to those who have made this night possible:
Cindy Briggs, the District’s K-12 Music Department Leader, who puts her heart and soul into Newark’s music program. She not only supports our students and staff each day, her leadership is instrumental in creating memories and bonds within our community that we will look back on fondly for many years to come.
The many hands and volunteers that make this performance possible each year because, like a well-oiled machine, you come together as a team. Your/Their belief in this event and support allow each of us to experience the joy that music bestows upon us.
I would also like to thank the many sponsors of tonight’s event that help to keep our ticket prices reasonable. Please see your program for a detailed list of all our generous sponsors. We are truly grateful and appreciative for your generosity. "
“On behalf of the entire School District, I hope you enjoy a remarkable holiday season with your family and loved ones. Please sit back and relax and enjoy this magical evening!”
Twenty-six-year-old Jherrard Hardeman, who is in his second season as RPO Assistant Conductor and Music Director of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (RPYO), did a phenomenal job conducting the Newark concert.
Not only did he engage with the audience and draw them in with his narratives before each selection, but it was clear he was enjoying every second of the concert again this year, conducting in his animated, expressive style."
Again this year a Green Room was provided for the RPO musicians by dedicated volunteers _ Michele McManus, right, Sharon SanAngelo, center, and Chris Hasseler left, _ with generously donated items from some restaurants and businesses in the community. This year, they included: BB’s Pizzeria. Domino’s, Erie Shore Landing, The Flower Mill, Main Street Restaurant, McDonald’s, Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, Parker’s Grille & Tap House and Vintage Gardens Bed & Breakfast.
Another nice touch to the evening was that once again, the Newark Music Boosters offered concessions in the foyer of the high school. All kinds of snacks including candy, cupcakes, cookies, soft drinks and more that were donated were available at the concession stand for a donation. The Music Boosters also provided some few nicely decorated tables nearby for patrons to sit at. Organized by parent and Newark Board of Education and Music Boosters member Miranda Brooks-Ruggeri, $413.50 was raised that will benefit NCSD music program activities.
Several individuals, including current and former NCSD staff, students and community members kindly performed a number of tasks at the event. They include, in the left photo above : NHS secretary Christine Acquista, front row left, Elizabeth Barry, retired NCSD teacher assistant Becky Hauf. Center, Benjamin Barry. Back left: Deborah Barry, who is the NCSD Internal Auditor/Workforce Coordinator and Joe Acquista. Elizabeth and Benjamin Barry are Deb Barry’s grandchildren. Photo above on right is Kyle Bliek, A/V and Social Media Coordinator for Newark Central School District, who was the district’s show runner for the concert, and his fiancé, Brianna Wolf.
”The RPO was extraordinary,” Cindy Briggs said later. “I thought the audience was amazing! hWe had more people attending than we have had in recent years. It is exciting and heartwarming to see our community come together to hear the magic of live music during the holiday season!
Next year’s Holiday Concert with the RPO at Newark High School will be held December 6th at 7 p.m.. Mark your calendars now and don’t miss it. Next year’s RPO concert will be Friday, December 5th at 7 p.m. Everyone mark your calendars now so you don’t miss this wonderful holiday event!
Individuals and area businesses that would like to help sponsor next year’s RPO concert with monetary contributions so it can continue to be offered here in Newark at such an affordable price, should contact Stacy Warren in the Superintendent’s Office at 315-332-3217 or stacy.warren@newarkcsd.org