Rye Neck High School rang in the holidays December 4 at Rye Presbyterian Church when they teamed up with the Westchester Choral Society (WCS) of an ecumenical holiday concert.
By Janice Llanes Fabry
Rye Neck High School rang in the holidays December 4 at Rye Presbyterian Church when they teamed up with the Westchester Choral Society (WCS) of an ecumenical holiday concert.
The harmonious collaboration originated when WCS Music Director Frank Nemhauser invited Rye Neck High Chorus Director Patrick Ardinger, who’d recently joined the Society, to have his school group perform. Mr. Ardinger, who also teaches English and Public Speaking, had faith that his group was up to the challenge of singing with the eminent choral society. This year, WCS celebrates its 75th anniversary as part of the Music Conservatory of Westchester.
“Ours is a perfect chamber ensemble that includes two sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses with a lot of talent and intensity,” said Mr. Ardinger, who stepped in this year after the retirement of longtime choir director Mark DiMaggio. “The students have honed their musical skills and can be truly proud of their accomplishments.”
Enrolled in the school’s choir elective are seniors Alexandra Sullivan, Stefan Liljestrand and Bryan Primrose; juniors Daniel Young and Damiana Carolini; and sophomores Grace Sundsrom, Jacob Barach, and Elena Ruigomez.
“To be part of the choir, it’s important to be focused and open to different styles of music,” said Ms. Sullivan. Mr. Liljestrand added, “I don’t know why I didn’t join before. It’s fun and it’s great to be part of something bigger than your self.”
