Hats off to WVHS music and theater programs

To the editor: This past weekend’s sensational production at the Warwick Valley High School of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” directed by Nick DiLeo and conducted by David Crone, was nothing less than a tour de force of music and acting, by any standard. Preceding it this year, were two other superb events, Lois Heller’s choral concert, and Chris Persad and Keely Gould’s pops concert. Hats off to Warwick Valley High Schools’ music and theater programs. Some criticism has been presented, however, regarding the use of volunteer professionals. This is really a terrific teaching tool. It not only fills out sections that are understaffed in the ensemble, it gives the students an opportunity to work elbow to elbow with practicing professionals. In the case of the wind ensemble, one such volunteer, Dan Chester, a professional trombonist, attended rehearsals and coached the brass students around him. In the pops concert, the conductor, Chris Persad, himself a world class trumpeter, brought his own experience to bear in a duet performance. There is no better way for a teacher to imbue the concept of excellence than to give it by example … himself. Richard Kimball New Milford