Dobbs Ferry Fourth-Graders Salute Immigrants' Role in Building America

Three lively renditions by the fourth-grade orchestra opened the 2012 spring concert at the Springhurst Elementary School in Dobbs Ferry on May 16. First came Carrie Lane Gruselle's arrangement of the American folk-influenced Sourwood Mountain—this was followed by Richard Meyer's Knick Knack Waltz and the Batman Theme (out of the original television series) by Neal Hefti and Bob Cerulli. The orchestra was led by David Hertzberg.

The fourth-grade Harmonaires then took the stage to sing three classics: All Who Sing, I Love This Land, composed by Patsy Ford Simms, and Hank Beebe's "Who Says I Can't Read Music?"

Recognition of the immigrant's role in the growth of America came as the ensemble performed "We All Are America—a Musical Journey Through History." Vocal music teacher George Swietlicki contributed original music for this part of the program and book and lyrics were the collaborative work of Dobbs Ferry resident Laurence Holzman and Felicia Needleman.

The fourth graders represented three nationalities (Russian, Irish and Italian) that came to America and New York City in the early 1900s. 

"The children learned about the plight of these people in their home countries," said Swietlicki. "The songs were written in the perspective of people who want a better life for their families. We still have the same dreams for our future, here in Dobbs Ferry and across America."

"Every single kid was engaged," he said. "We never reached this level before."

A final salute was rendered by American Legion Post commander Bill Florin as an American flag unfurled above the assembled cast.

Meredith Vieira provided the narration

Narration was provided by Meredith Vieira, currently the host of ABC's five-day-a-week quiz show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," former correspondent for "60 Minutes" (the CBS program), an original member and moderator of ABC's "The View," and former co-anchor of "Today" and news commentator for NBC.

"We were delighted to have Meredith Vieira contribute her interpretation to the script," Swietlicki said. "Magical things happen when a remarkable speaker with a passion for humanity and sincerity, lends voice, time and talent to learning."

Vieira's 22-year-old son Ben was one of Swietlicki's students and a member of the Harmonaires while a student at Springhurst Elementary School. A graduate of Stanford University, he currently pursues a career in finance in Shanghai.

Swietlicki taught at Edgemont High School in the Scarsdale school district before coming to Springhurst Elementary School as vocal music teacher in 1977. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, he graduated from the Vienna Academy of Music in Austria and earned an M.F.A degree from S.U.N.Y. Buffalo. He has directed group performances at the White House, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center.

Hertzberg is in his fourth year at Springhurst Elementary School as orchestra teacher. A resident of Brooklyn, he also plays double bass for a jazz/bluegrass band called Hearts & Bones.

"It was a thrill to see these fourth grade students make music in so many different ways in one night," Hertzberg said. "The orchestra program has grown so much, our fourth-grade orchestra alone barely fits on the stage."

All 117 fourth-grade students participated in the concert.

Coordinator Beth-Anne Cornell received special praise from Swietlicki for her creative contributions and untiring efforts.

The concert staff members included coordinators Cornell and Christine Brennan, sound system engineer Douglas Epstein, video engineer Kevin Ridley, art work manager Stephanie Thyrre, music instructor Vi Taylor, and Christina Bochiccio, Rosemary Bucci, Debbie Cifone, Susan Dodwell, Lilian Hanley, Gail Malara, and Gloria Phinsee.

Principal Julia D. Drake helped host the program. Assistant principal Lisa Doty provided support along with fourth-grade teachers Julie Campbell, Donna Misrok, Karen Ryan, Sheila Sullivan, Juliana Tsiamtsiouris and Karen Weber.