WVHS Chamber Strings performs in Albany

WARWICK — Members of the Warwick Valley High School’s Chamber Strings traveled to Albany on March 1 to perform in the “Music In Our Schools Month” celebration.

The Chamber Strings, which is the auditioned string instrument-only orchestra, was selected to perform at the Empire State Plaza.

The young musicians performed music from their Winter Concert in December and their upcoming Spring Concert on May 16.

Performances from many school district programs from across New York State will take place throughout the month of March. Forty-five school districts were represented, ranging from elementary to high school – chorus, band and orchestra. There were three high school orchestras and only one other school from Orange County – Greenwood Lake Middle School Chorus.

In a proclamation marking the occasion, Gov. Andrew Cuomo noted: “Whereas, 2013 marks the 40th year of New York State’s celebration of Music In Our Schools Month … and reminds parents and teachers that all children should have access to music education in school; this celebration is an excellent opportunity for music teachers to highlight the benefits and results of the programs to schools, parents and communities.”

Orchestra Director Keely Gould Blaikner said it was an honor for the young musicians to represent the school district and Orange County in the “Music In Our Schools Month” celebration.