Schools
Syosset High Choral Concert Wows the Crowd
Students give a nod to Disney World trip in performance.
Fingers snapped, hands clapped and hips swayed back and forth as students at Syosset High School sang a medley of barber shop and a capella songs at the 10th annual Spring Choral Choir Concert under the musical direction of Choral Choir Director Kristin Howell.
As Howell raised her hands, the students on cue launched into song. Harmonizing in unison, grades 9 through 12, along with the alumni choral choir, performed a variety of songs, including "Shout Hallelujah," "Any Dream Will Do" and a Disney medley.
This past March, 75 students attended Disney World and performed a variety of songs at Disney’s Magic Music Medleys.
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“We had a great time. The kids sang "Cruella Deville," "Hakuna Matata" and "You’ve Got a Friend in Me" in downtown Disney, and the audience loved them. It was a lot of fun. The same medley we did in Disney, we sang tonight,” said Assistant Choral Choir Director Cullen Howell, Kristen's husband.
Seventeen-year-old seniors Tina Prestana, Allyson Zuckerman and Casey Murphy all agree that there is no better feeling than singing in the choral choir.
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“It’s a happy feeling to sing. It’s so fulfilling. We absolutely love performing in the choir,” said Murphy.
The Howells are beyond impressed with the students' vocal capabilities and willingness to dedicate their time to perfecting their craft. “They are hard-working kids who give their heart and soul to music,” said Kristin.
Kristin, a former music teacher at Massapequa High School and Cullen, a former teacher at Harry B. Thompson Middle School, have been collaborating as choral directors for the past five years at Syosset High School to the students' delight.
During the evening, both were presented with flowers and hugs from thankful students. “Mrs. Howell is the best,” said Zuckerman.
Michael Salzman, coordinator of fine and performing arts at Syosset High School, beamed with pride as he announced to the audience, “This is one of the finest choral programs you will find anywhere.” The crowd responded with thunderous applause in agreement.
At the end of the evening, audience members and students watched a slide show that displayed pictures of the 2010 senior class.
“The music program has a great group of students," said Cullen Howell. "The kids are exceptional.”
