Farmingdale’s All-District Concert Celebrates Musical Growth
The Farmingdale School District hosted its annual All-District Concert, bringing together student musicians and teachers from grades 5 to 12 across all six Farmingdale schools. This concert alternates each year among Strings, Chorus, and, this time, Band. Nearly 300 students took the stage to display their talents before a packed audience, illuminated by the vibrant lights of Farmingdale High School Auditorium. The evening was thrilling, highlighting the significant growth that occurs from elementary to high school and the impact of the music program in the Farmingdale School District.
“Our Farmingdale district band staff began preparing for this large-scale concert over a year ago,” said Director of Fine and Performing Arts Greg Warnokowski. “Their dedication, months of preparation, and unwavering commitment gave our students a musical experience they will cherish forever.”
The event commenced with a performance by the 5th and 6th Grade All-District Band under the direction of Joseph DeAngelis, Dr. Katie Duke, Kieran Fiorentino, Philip Scanze, and ToniAnn Taibi. Following this, the Howitt Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Wind Ensemble, led by Jennifer Tower, delighted the audience with a magical Disney medley. Next up was the Farmingdale High School Wind Ensemble, directed by Matthew DeMasi, presenting the first of two world premieres for the evening. The high school performed "Eternal Trailblazer," a composition by the renowned Rossano Galante, dedicated to Gina Pellettiere.
“Dedicated to the most vivacious, dynamic, hilarious friend, educator, sister, daughter, and mother, Gina Pellettiere,” read Galante’s inscription on the sheet music. “Gina was a proud female trumpet player and band director setting a standard of excellence in a male-dominated field. She was truly the Eternal Trailblazer.” Nineteen additional local high school bands, including Freeport, Garden City, Wantagh, Hicksville, Bethpage, Jericho, Syosset, Plainedge, and St. Anthony's, will join Hofstra University and the Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts Honor Band in performing “Eternal Trailblazer.”
The Grand Finale reunited all the students on stage, extending into the pit and aisles to accommodate the 277 student musicians, for the second world premiere of the evening. This piece, titled “The Place Where,” was composed by local talent Ken Kamping and consists of five movements: Overture, Adventureland, Republic Airport, Charlotte’s, and Finale. In the days leading up to the concert, Ken Kamping collaborated with the students and shared insights about his composition. He expressed a deep connection to Farmingdale and eagerly accepted the opportunity to write for the District Band. Inspired by conversations with Gina Pellettiere, the piece features tributes to her through horn and trumpet melodies. It celebrates Farmingdale, incorporating its famous fight song and highlighting beloved local spots, embodying the town's significance for the performers. This unique composition will only be performed in Farmingdale, emphasizing its special place. As the final notes resonated throughout the auditorium, an enthusiastic crowd erupted in applause and cheers. This marked a perfect end to an evening brimming with emotion, talent, and a sense of community.
Director of Fine and Performing Arts Greg Warnokowski enthusiastically praised the concert, saying, “I felt immense pride as I witnessed the remarkable performances from each ensemble, which included two world premieres, an inspiring collaboration among teachers, and a stunning finale featuring all grade levels. Hearing the world premiere of A Place Where by Kenneth Kamping was truly special—a beautiful tribute to our cherished town of Farmingdale. The entire evening celebrated our outstanding district-wide band program and the exceptional dedication of our band teachers to their students every day.”
Congratulations to all the students for their outstanding performances, and a special acknowledgment to the district's band directors:
- Farmingdale High School: Matthew DeMasi, David Abrams, Elena Scarano
- Howitt Middle School: Jennifer Tower, Erica Hartmann, ToniAann Taibi
- Elementary Schools: Dr. Katie Duke, Joseph DeAngelis, Philip Scanze, Kieran Fiorentino
The All-District Concert, organized by the Farmingdale School District, unites student musicians and educators from grades 5 to 12 across all six Farmingdale schools. This concert alternates annually among Band, Strings, and Chorus performances. Next year's event will showcase the Chorus.