Seven outstanding musicians from High School East and West were recently chosen to participate in the 17th Annual LIU Post Band Festival at Tilles Center. The festival band is a large wind band ensemble made up of members of the LIU Post Wind Symphony and selected high school musicians representing nearly 40 different high schools across Long Island, for a total of nearly 160 musicians.
Our students, Gabriel Finger (Flute), Carter Lam (Clarinet), Jack Moylan (Clarinet), Carson Hart (Clarinet), Katharine Savrides (Alto Saxophone), Ethan Benstock (Trumpet), and Kiera Flynn (Tuba), as well as HSW Concert Band Director Ms. Jasmine Rodriguez (Bass), performed four pieces under the batons of both Dr. James McRoy of LIU Post and internationally renowned composer and conductor Randall Standridge. Our musicians had two three-hour rehearsals prior to Wednesday night’s concert, where they had the opportunity to learn directly from composer Randall Standridge, hear his stories, and ask him questions about his compositional practices, musical inspirations, and musical background.
“Our students have been playing pieces by Randall Standridge since elementary school,” said HSE Symphonic Band teacher, Jen Leavy. “To be able to have the opportunity to work so closely with him in this setting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We are incredibly proud of our students for the time and effort they put into performing in this ensemble.”
“Working with Randall Standridge has been a dream come true for both the students and myself,” said HSW Concert Band Director, Jasmine Rodriguez. “Collaborating with such a respected and inspiring musician was an unforgettable experience for our students and a unique opportunity to bring the music to life alongside its creator.”
