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PVHS Spring Concert Brings African Rhythms and Fond Farewells
On June 6 in the Putnam Valley High School (PVHS) Performing Arts Center, The Putnam Valley High School Music Department proudly presented A Spring Concert, featuring performances by the Putnam Valley High School Concert Band and Wind Ensemble, as well as the PVHS Jazz Ensemble.
All of the instrumental ensembles were conducted by PVHS instrumental music instructor, Ryan Odell. The student ensembles played a variety of challenging and entertaining pieces, including the Star Wars Epic by John Williams; the overture to The Barber of Seville, by Gioacchino Antonio Rossini; and the heartpounding Africa: Ceremony, Song and Ritual, by Robert Smith, with African drumming guest clinician, Kazi Oliver, and a special appearance on drums by retiring Putnam Valley Superintendent of Schools, Gary Tutty.
The spring concert is always a bittersweet and moving affair because it represents the last public performances by graduating senior musicians. As always, Mr. Odell singled out his graduates for individual recognition. This year's concert was even more emotional because Mr.Tutty, who has been a steadfast and vocal supporter of the arts in Putnam Valley's three schools, is also leaving, as is longtime PV Middle School band teacher, Edwina Pratt, who received a standing ovation when Mr. Odell recognized her in the audience.
Mr. Odell gave special thanks to the Putnam Valley Music Association, which has provided fundraising support for the Tri-M Music Honor Society and other programs that promote music in the Putnam Valley Schools. He also noted that Mr. Oliver's guest clinicianship was funded by the Arts in Education Program of the Putnam Valley High School PTSA.
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