Senior Pops Concert Unites the Generations
The generations came together in a love fest at this year’s Long Island Senior Pops Orchestra concert in the cavernous Huntington High School auditorium. Music lovers from across Nassau and Suffolk counties turned out en masse to see the seniors and Huntington orchestra students demonstrate anew the joy of being able to make music for a lifetime.
Side-by-side, the Huntington teenagers stood with their Senior Pops counterpart, rehearsing, joking, becoming friends and performing a delightful afternoon of music. Conducted by Joseph Manso, the combined orchestras played music from film scores, famous waltzes, Broadway tunes, and operas. As is tradition, John Philip Sousa's “Stars and Stripes Forever” served as this year’s rousing finale.
“There are so many lessons learned in this experience,” said Joan R. Fretz, Huntington director of fine and performing arts. “Our high school students are quite taken with the drive, wit and vitality of the seniors. They look forward to seeing them every year. The senior citizens enjoy learning about their teenage partners and marvel at their poise, manners and advanced playing skills.”
Each year Huntington High School orchestra director Lisa Leonardi takes the lead in making all of the arrangements for the event and she guest-conducts a piece in the program. The orchestra students learn a wide variety of music and host a special rehearsal with the seniors the week before the concert.
“Ms. Leonardi and the Orchestra Parents Association provide a lovely breakfast to welcome the seniors to our school,” Mrs. Fretz said. The concert is free, although the Senior Pops Orchestra cheerfully accepts donations to help offset its expenses.
The pairing of Senior Pops musicians with high school teenagers always makes for an interesting experience for everyone involved, including audience members. “Over the years, many friendships have developed,” Mrs. Fretz said. “There is much to be learned by the bringing together of generations that normally do not spend much time together. And the music they make is just amazing. Everyone leaves humming a favorite tune.”
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