BC News

Distinguished Bethlehem music alumni to return for retiring band director's last show

Release Date: May 27, 2009

After nearly three decades as a member of the Bethlehem Central High School Music Department, wind ensemble conductor will bring back three former students to the school’s stage for a special performance with current students on June 2.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. 

The concert is the Wind Ensemble’s “Senior Showcase,” the traditional closing performance for the ensemble. Mrs. Schwarz has taught at BCHS for 27 years, conducting this ensemble for the last 15. 
The former students, who are all now working as professional musicians, will appear as guest soloists in the Senior Showcase. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the high school’s auditorium on Tuesday, June 2. The musicians are:
Senior Chief Musician Suzanne Rice, a French horn player with the United State Navy Band in Washington D.C.; Dr. Benjamin Pierce, euphonium/tuba professor of music at The University of Arkansas; and Evan Siegel, a vocal soloist, who is a freelance artist in New York City. 

The concert will feature various senior soloists and chamber winds ensembles as a part of the concert program, in addition to the three special guests. A reception in honor of the group’s graduating seniors will be held in the cafeteria following the performance. 

The Bethlehem High School Wind Ensemble has a long standing reputation for excellence. During the 15 years that Ms. Schwarz has conducted the group, they have been awarded 11 Gold With Distinction ratings and 4 Gold Ratings at level 6 (most difficult level of music) at New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) spring major organization evaluation festivals. 

Ms. Schwarz began her work in the Bethlehem District in the fall of 1982. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Ms. Schwarz holds both Bachelor and Master of Music Education Degrees from Indiana University, Bloomington. Ms. Schwarz was the 2007 recipient of the prestigious New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) Richard H. Snook Outstanding Band Director Award, The Chamber Music America Heidi B. Castleman Award for excellence in chamber music teaching (1992) and winner of a summer fellowship grant from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL (1989). She was also recently nominated for the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Legion of Honor Award, an award that honors outstanding band directors from across the country.  

“As I near the end of my time as the high school wind ensemble director and reflect upon my work here and what I will miss most about it, it is without question the extraordinary young people of this community,” Ms. Schwarz said. “The many students I have had the privilege of working with in this school district have given me many reasons to be proud of them and to feel inspired as an educator. I will take with me many fond memories of my time as a part of this outstanding music department.” 
The Senior Showcase concert is free and the community is invited to attend.

 

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