Tuesday Night (5/14/19) at Heritage Middle School entertained family and friends of the students in the Orchestra and Chorus. Their annual Spring Concert featured the 6^th and 7^th grade chorus starting the program with several selections utilizing Violins, Viola, Cello and Bass. Ms. Eleanor Allen, Orchestra Director provided upbeat musical compositions, entitled, A Viking’s Tale, Battle of the Ancient Dragons and Orpheus in the Underworld Finale. The audience was given an extra-added treat when the 8^th Grade Select joined the orchestra creating the HMS 6-7-8 Orchestra during the last two selections.

This same 8^th Grade Select Group consisting of graduating 8^th grade violinists included: Isabella Delgado, Sarah Murphy, Emily Palacios and David Petersen, provided three additional compositions after the 6^th and 7^th grade students left the stage. Ms. Allen also left the stage and the four students played without her direction. Their selections were Stars of the Summer Night, Crusader’s Hymn and Theme from Oberon.

After receiving a standing ovation in recognition to their beautiful renditions it was heartwarming to see the four standing their accepting the applause and knowing this was their last HMS performance.

Once the stage was cleared from the orchestra setting, the HMS Chorus, under the direction of Ms. Rebecca Clina, took their places. Ms. Clina introduced her program by stating her preference for Senior Karaoke, which simply stated is having her 8^th grade students perform solos they felt comfortable in singing while being backed by the entire chorus. The songs and key soloists were I Am But A Small Voice, soloists Ibrahim Reyna and Keira O’Shea; Never Enough, soloist Kamryn Betcher; Beauty and the Beast, soloists Sabrina Hope and Auriel Rosemberg; Dansi na Kuimba by the entire chorus; Halo soloist Yosr Haggui; A Million Dreams, soloists Rowan Hoyt, Alex Hughes, and Savannah Smith; Halleluiah, soloist Visella De la Cruz; Rise Up, soloists Sauvelene Polycarpe, Samantha Baez, Kahlaya Cowan, Visella De la Cruz, Yosr Haggui and Neveah Owens and High Hopes by the entire chorus.

The finale for the chorus and the program was a tribute to all Mothers for Mother’s Day.

The Chorus was also given a standing ovation.

As an aside this reporter was thoroughly impressed with the chosen music, training and performance of both the Orchestra and Chorus. This is definite proof of the high caliber education that takes place in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. Bravo to Ms. Eleanor Allen and Ms. Rebecca Clina. You both have shown what dedicated teachers in this school district have accomplished!

Photos and Article by James R. Formato