Night of 1,000 Strings made its debut on Schreiber’s stage on Feb. 13. The night included pieces performed by Port Washington orchestra students from grades 4-12. The audience heard performances from the fourth and fifth grade ensemble, middle school students, the freshman orchestra, the string orchestra, and the symphony orchestra.  The grand finale featured all 273 participating students performing at once.

“Practing was hard, but I am so excited to play with the older kids, and I can’t wait to hear their music too,” said fifth grader Dara Foley.

The performance received much feeback from both students who participated and from the audience members.

“I think it’s a good opportunity to unify district string students,” said sophomore Illiana Ioannides.

Many students also welcomed the opportunity to play with elementary and middle school students.

“It’s very nice that all the students in the district get to play with one another, regardless of age or skill level,” said freshman Nuran Mirdha.

This performance required extensive planning and consisted of multiple meetings, after school and during school.  Director of Creative Arts Ms. Sherri Suzzan and department secretary Ms. Angela McGrade organized the event. Ms. McGrade ordered matching t-shirts for students.

“It’s crazy and hectic so I don’t like it,” said seventh grader Solbi Oh.

Before school ended, Schreiber students were excused from their sixth period classes to help bring all the chairs to the auditorium.  The elementary and Weber students had to remain at Schreiber until the concert began at 7 p.m.  They were required to bring dinner to eat in between the practices. Schreiber students had the option to go home and come back before the concert or stay and help out.

“I feel very happy and excited and I am enjoying myself,” said fourth grader Yuuki Huang.

This event required much preparation on behalf of the music teachers.

“The district string faculty developed the idea for this performance,” said Mr. Pinelli.  “The idea came to be so that the young kids and the parents would get to see what they get to turn into if they stick with the orchestra program through twelfth grade.  Basically, so they would see the gradual, natural development of musicianship through the orchestra program, all in one night.”

“Its very good because it allows you to work on your instrument more than you usually do,” said fifth grader John Paul Pearson. “First you have a little part you have to work on at school, but when you get homework from an entire orchestra, you think, ‘Oh boy, I really need to practice this.”