North Bellmore Celebrates Music

Community members got a taste of the North Bellmore School District’s music program as students performed at the March 9 Board of Education meeting for Music in Our Schools Month.

Three ensembles, consisting of sixth-graders from all five elementary schools, entertained the crowd. Choral students, led by music teacher Carol Ng, performed “I Will Sing My Song.” The orchestra, conducted by Lisa Uckardes, played “Yesterday” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The band, which also included fifth-graders selected for the All-County music festival, featured the “Liberty Eagle March” under the direction of Dana Hirsch. After practicing at their home schools, students came together for group rehearsals at John Dinkelmeyer Elementary School.

“We want students to appreciate music and to enjoy music,” said Desiree Behr, a music teacher at Dinkelmeyer and Martin Avenue elementary schools. “It’s also important to bring music to the community so they can see what our students are capable of.”

North Bellmore’s instrumental music program begins in third grade when all students learn to play the recorder in their general music classes. Beginning in fourth grade, students can select an instrument to play in the band or orchestra, and also join the chorus.

The district offers a Festival Band and Festival Chorus, which provides a more challenging musical experience for sixth-graders and culminates with a community concert, which is scheduled for April 3 at 7 p.m. at Brookside School.

Photos: North Bellmore School District