The Highland Central School District celebrated the talents of its student musicians with two annual scholarship concerts held at Highland High School (HHS) earlier this month. The Choral Scholarship Concert on March 9 and the Band Scholarship Concert on March 11 featured performances by students from all three District schools, highlighting the strength of Highland’s Music program.

Choral Scholarship Concert

The Choral Concert took place in the HHS auditorium and featured outstanding performances by choruses and choirs across multiple grade levels.

Audience members enjoyed a wide range of selections, including “Die With a Smile,” performed by the Fourth and Fifth Grade Choruses; “Don’t Stop Believin’,” performed by the Sixth Grade Choir; “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” performed by the Seventh and Eighth Grade Choir; and “Wake Me Up,” performed by the High School Choir. The concert concluded with a powerful combined finale featuring students in Grades 6-12.

Band Scholarship Concert

Two days later, the annual Band Concert brought together student musicians from the District’s Band program in the HHS gymnasium.

The evening featured performances by ensembles representing a variety of grade levels and musical styles. Among the selections performed were “Havana” by the Middle School Jazz Ensemble; “Morning” by the High School Jazz Ensemble; “The Chase,” performed by the Sixth Grade Band; “Furioso,” performed by the Fifth Grade Band; “Anomaly,” performed by the Seventh and Eighth Grade Band; and “The Lord of the Rings,” performed by the High School Concert Band. The concert concluded with a combined finale performance of “Theme from New York, New York,” featuring students in Grades 5-12.

Celebrating Highland’s Music Program

Both concerts highlight Highland’s longstanding commitment to music education and provide an opportunity to celebrate student achievement while supporting the Highland Music Department Scholarship. The scholarship program continues a tradition that began in 1959, recognizing graduating seniors who demonstrate leadership, musicianship, dedication, and professionalism in the District’s choral and instrumental programs.

The District extends its gratitude to District Music Coordinator Karen Adamec for organizing the events and to the District’s dedicated music educators for their leadership and guidance. Choral directors include Jodie McCaffrey (Elementary School), Cailin Fiengo (Middle School), and Erin Matthews (High School), while Band directors include Karen Adamec (Elementary School), Vincent Rizzi (Middle School), and Dan Shaut (High School).

The District also thanks the families, staff, and community members whose continued support helps make Highland’s Music program—and these longstanding traditions—possible.