Senior Pops Inter-Generational Concert is Delightful
This year's Long Island Senior Pops Orchestra concert drew a crowd of 800 to the Huntington High School auditorium. The annual show is in its 14th year and still going strong.
The Senior Pops is a collection of talented adult musicians, including some who played professionally, others who worked as music teachers and several more who just love to perform. The orchestra has a devoted following for good reason; they produce appealing sounds and spirited music.
One of the highlights of the show came when the Huntington High School orchestra joined the Senior Pops on stage for an inter-generational performance of several challenging pieces.
Huntington's junior and senior and select sophomore symphony string players rehearsed professional level music for approximately six weeks prior to the joint concert. The combined orchestras performed Night on Bald Mountain, El Relicario, Salute to the Big Apple and Symphonie Fantasticas 3rd movement.
The teenage musicians were prepped by high school orchestra teacher Lisa Leonardi. The teenagers and the senior citizens had one joint two-hour rehearsal prior to the performance.
"Many of the high school students look forward to working with the Senior Pops because it's such an uplifting experience for everyone," Ms. Leonardi said. "The seniors are encouraged by young talent and enthusiasm. It's invigorating to members of the Senior Pops because they know that the high school students will most likely have a lifelong interest in orchestral music. The high school students look up to the seniors and realize that music will, in fact be an everlasting influence in their life! It's a win, win situation."