The orchestra ensembles from Rocky Point Middle School and Rocky Point High School, under the direction of Mrs. Meghan Walter and Mr. Nicholas Butcher, performed in the annual “Night of Strings” concert at the Rocky Point High School on March 20.                 
With an enchanting showcase of musical talent, student musicians in the ensembles astonished family, faculty and administrators with a variety of musical selections. This was a special night to feature and celebrate the ability, artistry and accomplishments of the students involved in the Rocky Point Music Department’s string program.                                   
The evening included performances by the Middle School 6th Grade Orchestra, 7th Grade Orchestra, 8th Grade Orchestra and High School Orchestra. The performance also included a selection with the combined 6th, 7th and 8th grade orchestral groups, as well as a finale to put a bow on the evening where the 8th Grade Orchestra joined forces with the High School Orchestra. Each ensemble played at least two selections, and the night displayed the sequential growth from one group to the next. This was a great way to emphasize the string program and show the progress and advancement between ensembles. This also provided a wonderful opportunity for the 8th grade orchestra members to play with the High School musicians and get a preview of what their high school experience will consist of.                                                                                                       
The concert kicked off with the 6th Grade Orchestra, under the direction of Mrs. Walter, playing a joyful selection including “Gaelic Castle,” which was very appropriate for St. Patrick’s Day week! The 8th Grade Orchestra performed Rossini’s popular and familiar finale from “The William Tell Overture.” A special portion of the program included combining all the students in the 6th-8th grade ensembles for a performance of the Celtic styled, “Swallowtail Jig.” The High School Orchestra then took the stage and began with Austro-Bohemian Romantic composer Gustav Mahler’s, “Theme from Symphony No.1, Movement. 3.” The concert concluded with “Fiddle Fury,” directed by Mr. Butcher, which included the 8th Grade Orchestra combining with the High School Orchestra. The night was truly exceptional and enjoyed by everyone who attended this special celebration of orchestral music.                      
“Students involved in the Night of Strings learn about teamwork, dedication, pride and perseverance in music as they perform with the orchestras,” Mrs. Walter said. “I am so proud and grateful to work with such talented students who often go above and beyond to help grow our string family in Rocky Point. I will always look back on these concerts with immense happiness, knowing that the Night of Strings is a beginning to a great musical journey for many lovely musicians. Mr. Butcher and I are so proud of all the Music Department’s string students.”
Mr. Butcher added “The Rocky Point Night of Strings concert was a fantastic success, showcasing the hard work and dedication of our talented young musicians. Their performance was truly impressive and I couldn't be prouder of how far they've come. It is an absolute joy to work with such a wonderful group of students, and I look forward to their continued growth.”
A joint message from Rocky Point Music Department Chairpersons Mr. Craig Knapp and Ms. Amy Schecher read, “Congratulations to the Middle School and High School orchestra groups on a superb “Night of Strings” concert. We are very thankful for the work that both Mrs. Walter and Mr. Butcher do to provide constructive musical experiences for their students. The music students continue to work extremely hard this year and we are lucky to have such dedicated and accomplished student performers. We hope the students and their families are as proud of the performances as the music faculty members are. We would like to thank the parents for supporting and encouraging their children’s interest in music. We would also like to thank the Rocky Point Administration and Board of Education for their continued support of our district’s music programs.”