Dear Editor,
I wanted to share with the Hoosick Falls community, as well as our surrounding towns, the wonderful experiences I have had with two groups from Hoosick Falls Central School in the past few weeks.
On November 16 I accompanied 33 students to NYC to perform at Carnegie Hall. Wow! How many people want to be able to do that in their lifetime? These 33 kids ranged in age from 12-17, grades 7-12. Under the direction of Ambigay Yudkoff, they had spent tireless hours learning songs in different languages to perform. The concert was a fundraiser for the Kate Winslow Golden Hat Foundation, a foundation celebrating love and self-expression for those with autism. They sang on stage with Tim Janis, Forte, Nathan Pacheco, Nick Pitera and Amy Petty.
The trip started at 5 am, after cheering on the football team the night before. We arrived at the rehearsal hall ready to sing and were the only group not carrying their music – they had it all memorized! There was no time for sightseeing except for the quick 20 block walk from the rehearsal hall to Carnegie Hall. The day was a bit hectic due to many last minute changes, but the kids adapted instantly. Everyone was well prepared, courteous and very professional. Our group on stage was visibly the expert; all students standing still, not fixing their hair or clothing and always having a smile on their face. Our students fully embraced the cause benefitting from their performance and were honored to be included. Even though they did not have many supporters other than close family members, they still were overjoyed to represent Hoosick Falls.
I have been the parent helper since the inception of the Pep Band in the fall of 2009. Every year our membership has grown. On November 23 I was able to take 22 of the members to Kingston to cheer on the football team at Dietz Stadium. These students tirelessly give everything they have week in and out to support the football program at HFCS. This year we had fans request that we sit near them! The community of Hoosick Falls enjoys the band; I hear nothing but great compliments on how the band makes the games more than just an average football game. I was honored to stand with the kids while they waited at the school and applauded the football team when they returned – the thought of abandoning them after a tough loss never crossed their minds!
I am also extremely proud of all the students involved in the performing arts programs. The drama department will be performing Noises Off on December 14 and 15. The jazz band played at the concourse in Albany on December 3, and all the groups will be performing for the winter concerts on December 16 and 19. On January 31 the chorus will be performing on the stage at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall with the Albany ProMusica for the fourth year in a row. Shortly after, they will be hosting international humanitarian and renowned musician Sharon Katz & The Peace Train on February 13. Sharon Katz & The Peace Train use proceeds from their concert appearances to support their humanitarian work in South Africa and other countries around the world. Their work includes music therapy with orphans and communities affected by HIV/AIDS, feeding programs in poverty stricken communities, conflict resolution work in violence torn regions and building schools and community arts centers in under developed areas.
I encourage the community to come see what talent we have in Hoosick Falls that is not on the field or the court but rather on the stage. Many of the concerts, plays and performances are rarely attended by the public at large. Just ask the jazz band how they feel at the end of a concert, only seeing family members left in the audience – their response will be less than joyful. Show your support for the performing arts today – you will not be disappointed!
Sincerely,
Joyce Brewer
TC Lane, Hoosick Falls