Several Lindenhurst Students Chosen for LI String Festival

Nine students from the have been picked to participate in the Long Island String Festival.

The festival consists of several different concerts presented by the Long Island String Festival Association, which started the festival in the Spring of 1956.

Since then LISFA has continued to grow. In 1963 Nassau and Suffolk Counties each had its own festival.

They eventually merged into one, but due to growing success and popularity, according to LISFA officials, LISFA found it necessary in 1998 to change to a four-orchestra design in both counties.

According to the association, the success of LISFA lies in the strength of the string teachers on Long Island, their talented students, the parents who support their musical development and the quality of the conductors who together celebrate the power of music.

The Lindenhurst students who were chosen this year to play with LISFA's orchestras in the festival rank among the most accomplished string students in Suffolk County, noted Lindenhurst School District officials.

The students who'll be playing in this year's festival include:

• Lauren Dawnkaski, viola, Elementary School
• Nicole Hayden, bass, Elementary School
• Joseph Leone, viola, Harding Avenue Elementary School
• Maria John, violin, Elementary School
• Raymond Huang, viola,
• Anna Kurianowicz, violin, Lindenhurst Middle School
• Allison Perna, violin,
• Caroline Rakus-Wojciechowski, violin, Lindenhurst High School
• Jessica Wong, viola, Lindenhurst High School

The elementary concert will take place on January 22 at 1 p.m. at in East Northport. The secondary (high school) concert will take place on February 5 at 1 p.m. at in East Setauket.

“Congratulations to all of the students who have been selected,” said Coordinator of Fine and Performing Arts Rose Marvel. “I wish them a wonderful experience working and performing with students throughout Suffolk County.”

Photos and information submitted by Carol Hauser.