Montgomery County's finest high school musicians stepped onstage at Canajoharie High School's Arkell Performing Arts Center for the 2006 All-County Music Festival on Saturday, Feb. 4.

Middle school and high school band and chorus performers spent the rehearsing with a guest conductor and then performed their pieces before a packed house in a two-hour concert. The day was arranged by the Montgomery County Music Teachers Association (MCMTA).

"This is a wonderful day of music in Montgomery County," said MCMTA President Pete DiBiase who is the Music Department Chairman at Fort Plain Central School. "These students have worked hard to succeed in academics, in athletics, at jobs outside of school. We appreciate the fact that they can excel in music as well."

"Students are hand-picked for their musical ability," explained Canajoharie Music Department Chairman Timothy Field. "They have rehearsed for weeks and now come together for this incredible event. For many of these kids, this is the first time they have had a chance to perform with a group of such talented musicians."

Each of the Montgomery County's school districts—Amsterdam, Fonda-Fultonville, Canajoharie, Fort Plain and St. Johnsville sent students and faculty. The conductors were selected by MCMTA committees.

"Each ensemble has a school faculty chairperson who arranges for that group's guest conductor. The chairperson then works with the guest to select the music and the ensemble's members," said BiBiase.

Performing this year were:

Elementary School Chorus under Susan Ethington, a 32-year music teacher veteran in Otsego County before retiring last year from Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School. Her group performed Reflections of a Lad at Sea, Grand Old Flag, and 'Cross the Wide Missouri.

Middle School Band conducted by Peter Suzuki, a middle school band director from North Colonie School District. His band performed Kings Go Forth, The Road Unknown (Portrait of a Soldier), and The Big Circus March.

High School Chorus led by Suzanne Whitney, a 24-year veteran as a choral and general music teacher serving upstate New York. The chorus performed Oye La Musica, Cantique de Jean Racine, I Am His Child, and All that Jazz from "Chicago".

High School Band conducted by Scott Severance, a 25-year band and music teacher and Music Department Chairman at Glens Falls City Schools. Under Severance, the band performed The Washington Post March, Connemara Sketches, and The Blue and the Gray.

"Canajoharie proved fine hosts for this year's event," concluded DiBiase. "We look forward to the future when we will perform at Fonda-Fultonville and Amsterdam as well."

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