PRESS RELEASE

F. J. O’Neill Elementary School Announces
Annual Spring Concert
on May 26, 2006 at 7:30 PM

Central Islip, May 26, 2006 – F. J. O’Neill Elementary School is pleased to announce its annual spring concert on May 26, 2005 at 7:30 PM in the auditorium of the F. J. O’Neill Elementary School.  Both the 4^th grade Concert Band and the 4^th grade Chorus will perform that evening.  There is a free performance.

The ensembles have prepared a challenging program with such selections as Mickey Mouse March, Aura Lee and When the Saints Go Marching In.  The band will also be performing the world premiere of Creations - a piece commissioned by the O'Neill School written by composer Anne McGully.  The band and chorus will be performing this program at the NYSSMA Major Festival in June.

NYSSMA, the New York State School Music Association, is the largest state affiliate of MENC, the Music Educators National Conference. The mission of NYSSMA is to advocate and improve the education in music of all people by promoting appropriate music activities and programs in the schools and communities throughout New York State.  Each year, NYSSMA holds regional festivals that allow ensembles to perform in front of a panel of judges.  These judges offer constructive comments in an effort to further develop the musicality of a group.

"The students are very excited and I’m thrilled for them," said Band Director Patrick Hait.  "They’ve worked hard so hard this year to learn how to play together as a group."  Mr. Anthony Lubrano, the principal of the O'Neill school is anxious to see the students succeed in this performance.  "The children always look forward to performing for the O'Neill community and the Central Islip community takes great pride in the hard work and dedication of the students and their teachers. I'm sure we'll hear many shouts of ENCORE!"

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