Middle School Milestone Commemorated Through Music

It was a musical evening on the turf field on June 2, as students performed in honor of Seaford Middle School’s 60th anniversary. The bleachers were filled to capacity as an audience of students, parents, staff, community members and alumni listened to the instrumental and vocal stylings about 350 young musicians.  
The anniversary concert was about a year in the making, when the middle school commissioned a special musical piece from composer Randall D. Standridge. The world premiere of “Fireworks” was worth the wait. 

The concert opened with two songs by the Woodwind Ensemble, under the direction of Barbara Sherwin, followed by a trio of songs from the sixth grade chorus, which was led by Amanda Ferguson. Band teacher Nicholas Coacci conducted the Jazz Band for three songs before the seventh and eighth grade chorus performed.  

Nearly 250 sixth, seventh and eighth graders comprised the Seaford Middle School Commemorative Band, co-directed by Ms. Sherwin and Mr. Coacci. They played “Cha’La” and “Spring” before the debut of “Fireworks.” 

Patrick Kennedy, the director of fine and applied arts, said that Mr. Standridge is a well-known composer who has created pieces for many schools.  

“The work that he puts out is really strong and attainable by our students, while still challenging them,” Mr. Kennedy said, noting that the piece was received by the district in January. Rehearsals for the concert took place during music classes and small-group lessons over several months.  

The concert closed out with a dual performance of the band and chorus for the Seaford alma mater.  

“There was a lot of Seaford pride among the students and among the audience,” Mr. Kennedy said. “It was a great evening and a lot of people helped out to make this happen.” 

Superintendent Dr. Adele Pecora gave an overview of the district’s history, which dates back to a one-room schoolhouse built in 1830. Seaford Middle School is the most recent school to be built in the community, to alleviate overcrowding at the then junior-senior high school.  

“In 1965, Seaford Middle School opened its doors, becoming a cornerstone of education for generation of young learners,” she said, “dedicated to not only academics but creativity, growth and community spirit.”