Division I East Wrap-up By Peggy Rakas Division I East Vice President GREENVALE - The Division 1 East Concert proved to be a fine concert. To start the program, Mrs. Clara Sugar conducted the orchestra

for the National Anthem.  To see this grand lady, one of NMEA’s brightest lights, shining in her beautiful purple gown and beaming as she conducted, was certainly a highlight for many of us.

The orchestra proceeded to play beautifully under the able direction of Ms. Adria Benjamin.  She was a fine conductor with a kind and gentle manner that worked well for this age group.

The band sounded wonderful as the incredible acoustics of Tilles blended their sounds and helped them sound much more experienced than they were. They were led by  Dr. Justin Comito who showed amazing patience and skill as he led them through the long rehearsals. The band also beautifully performed a fine composition of Dr. Comito’s entitled “ Song and Sound of Hammer and Post”.

Mr. Craig Knapp then led the chorus through a challenging program that was performed almost flawlessly.  It was an incredible performance.  Afterwards, he proceeded to do a somersault backstage as the chorus chanted, Mr. Knapp, Mr. Knapp, Mr. Knapp.  It was  a moment and performance the students will remember for a lifetime.

Thank you to all the chair people and teachers who volunteered their time and talent to make this wonderful concert possible.

Division V By Nicole Greene Division III Vice President Thank you to teachers, parents and students alike for making this year's Divison 5 All County such a huge success! All of the groups performed well, and that is thanks to all previously mentioned as well as our

chairpeople for selecting such wonderful conductors to help make this a wonderful experience for all! From start to finish this year's concert was exceptional. Over the past 10 years, I would be hard-pressed to find an all county festival that was such a rewarding experience across the boards. The selection of repertoire by conductors and chairpeople, and the conductors' ability to convey the spirit of the selections to the students they were working with was made apparent in the rehearsals as well as the concert. Congratulations to all involved for helping to make this year's festival such a great experience for the students of Nassau County!

Conductors for the respective groups were as follows:

Orchestra - Dr. Teresa Chung,
Band - Scott Teeple - University of Wisconsin, Madison Women's Chorus - Sun Min Lee, Westminster Choir College Mixed Chorus - Dr. Jonathan Talberg, University of California, Long Beach

Jazz Division By Clark Blanton Jazz Festival Vice President  Under the direction of our great group of guest conductors, and with the guidance of our chairpeople and assistant chairpeople, the 2008 All County Jazz Ensembles took swing

to a whole new level.  All of the conductors noted how well prepared the students were when they arrived for their first rehearsal.  The groups all showed a musical maturity beyond their years (as the recordings all show) and we can all rest assured that quality jazz is alive and well in Nassau County. 

In addition, on Saturday, January 19, NMEA sponsored a jazz concert/clinic featuring Mike Carubia’s All Star Big Band and Bob Stoloff.  Participants got to hear a great set from the big band and then receive a 1 ½ hour clinic from the band members and Mr Stoloff (with the vocalists).  The workshops stressed improved techniques in jazz improvisation and style.  For the last portion of the workshop, all of the participants (instrumental and vocal) had the opportunity to improvise along with to big band.  A great time was had by all.