New Rochelle High School Musicians to Perform at Lincoln Center

About 325 New Rochelle High School students will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Avery Fisher Hall in New York's Lincoln Center.

The benefit concert—called On Stage at Lincoln Center—which occurs every four years, showcases the bands, choral groups and orchestras of the high school.

Susan Weisman, executive director of New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence Inc., said proceeds from the benefit go back into the schools, providing educational programs and community outreach.

Having the concert every four years allows the fund a chance to raise about $75,000 to put on the event.

"It truly is a once in a lifetime, amazing experience for these students," Weisman said.

Marc Schneider, supervisor of music and art for the New Rochelle School District, said the students really look forward to the concert.

He said the concert is always in a major venue in New York, usually either Carnegie Hall or Avery Fisher Hall.

"Some of the greatest concerts in the world have occurred on those stages," Schneider said. "The greatest performers come to New York."

It must be kind of a daunting feeling for the students, he said.

"Here I am, and I have this golden opportunity, and I may never have this again," Schneider said, putting himself in the mind of one of the music students.

"In their high school years, they will have a chance to experience what other great performers have," he said.

The concert will feature works from the old masters to modern pieces, Schneider said. The performing groups will be the concert and symphonic bands, the Choraleers and Chorale, the Huguenot Orchestra and the Orchestra and the Jazz Band.

At the concert, WFAN radio personality Craig Carton, who was born in New Rochelle, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Tickets to the concert can be purchased at the fund's Web site until 3 p.m. Wednesday. After that, tickets can be purchased at Avery Fisher Hall's box office.