Sixteen talented Hochstein students in grades 5-12 will be recognized at this year's Honors Convocation, including winners of Hochstein Merit Scholarships and five seniors who are completing the Honors Certificate Program.

The Merit Scholarship winners and Honors Certificate students will also perform solos during the Honors Convocation. Eight students were recognized with Honorable Mention.

Hochstein teachers nominate students for Merit Scholarships and auditions were held February–March 2022. They are organized in four categories for various age levels of music students. The scholarships are provided with funds established to memorialize former board members Sydney Rubin and his wife Pearl Rubin, Lillian Taylor Hubbard, and Walter Holloran, as well as Sidney & Ruth Salzman, Dorothy Pund Allen, David Romig, Diana & Christina Wang, and Donald Yungkurth, and members of the Knights of Pythias.

The Honors Certificate Program is entered by audition and is an intensive course of study over several years. Many of the graduates of Hochstein’s Honors Certificate Program have pursued further musical studies at the finest conservatories and university schools of music in the country. There are five seniors who are expected to complete the program this year. Significant support for the Honors Certificate Program comes from the Donald F. & Maxine B. Davison Foundation.

Please note: Audience members will be asked to follow any COVID-19 safety guidelines that are in place at the time of the concert. Click here to view Hochstein’s COVID Safety Information: https://hochstein.org/About/Hochstein-COVID-Safety-Information.

Hochstein programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

 

Here is the full list of students who will be recognized:

Merit Scholarship Winners

Grades 5-6

• Julian Bennett of Brighton; violin; Grade 5, French Road Elementary School; student of Marcos Kreutzer; Dorothy Pund Allen Memorial Scholarship
• Ian Dorrer of Brighton; piano; Grade 6, Twelve Corners Middle School; student of Oleksandra Yurchenko; Walter J. Holloran Memorial Scholarship
• Sylas Newkirk of Rochester; violin; Grade 5, homeschooled; student of Marcos Kreutzer; Lillian Taylor Hubbard Memorial Scholarship

Grades 7-8

• Wendy Brown of Fairport; violin; Grade 7, homeschooled; student of Pia Liptak; Dorothy Pund Allen Memorial Scholarship
• Noah Busch of Brighton; violin; Grade 8, Twelve Corners Middle School; student of Pia Liptak; Knights of Pythias Memorial Scholarship
• Youyou Wu of Pittsford; violin; Grade 7, Barker Road Middle School; student of Katie Worley; Sydney and Pearl Rubin Memorial Scholarship

Grades 9-10

• Julian Chumacero of Farmington; violin; Grade 10, Victor Senior High School; student of Pia Liptak; Knights of Pythias Memorial Scholarship
• Erica Liu of Henrietta; violin; Grade 9, The Harley School; student of Marcos Kreutzer; Lillian Taylor Hubbard Memorial Scholarship
• Elizabeth Runion of Gates; flute; Grade 10, Gates Chili High School; student of Diane Smith; David Romig Memorial Scholarship

Grades 11-12

• Sean Li of Pittsford; cello and piano; Grade 12, Pittsford Mendon High School; student of Kathleen Murphy Kemp and Joseph Werner; Diana & Christina Wang Memorial Scholarship AND Ruth & Sidney Salzman Memorial Scholarship (also Honors Certificate Program)
• Neil Stringer of Canandaigua; cello; Grade 11, Canandaigua Academy; student of Kathleen Murphy Kemp; Diana & Christina Wang Memorial Scholarship
• Sara Ward of N. Chili; saxophone; Grade 11, Churchville Chili High School; student of Nancy Boone-Bahr; Donald Yungkurth Memorial Scholarship

 

Honors Certificate Program Graduates

• Abigail Black of Victor; flute; Grade 12, Victor Senior High School; student of Diane Smith
• Thomas DeFisher of Williamson; piano; Grade 12, Williamson Senior High School; student of Paula Bobb
• Amy Feng of Pittsford; cello; Grade 12, Pittsford Sutherland High School; student of Kathleen Murphy Kemp
• Gabriella Graney of Brighton; voice; Grade 12, Brighton High School; student of Sandra Boysen Sluberski
• Sean Li of Pittsford; cello and piano; Grade 12, Pittsford Mendon High School; student of Kathleen Murphy Kemp and Joseph Werner

 

Additionally, eight students were recognized with Honorable Mention:

• Shreya Bhattacharya of Fayetteville; violin; Grade 9, Fayetteville Manlius High School; student of Marcos Kreutzer
• Lillian Brickman of Rochester; guitar; Grade 9, School of the Arts; student of Timothy Shannon
• Philip Chan of West Henrietta; piano; Grade 5, homeschooled; student of Paula Bobb

• Sarai Couser of Rochester; violin; Grade 7, The Harley School; student of Michelle Walker
• Cameron Fien of Spencerport; guitar; Grade 5, Canal View Elementary School; student of Timothy Shannon
• Julian Shand of Pittsford; piano; Grade 5, Thornell Road Elementary School; student of Gary Palmer
• Alison Henry of Fairport; voice; Grade 8, Martha Brown Middle School; student of Riki Connaughton
• Caitlin Ott of Pittsford; cello; Grade 10, homeschooled; student of Kathleen Murphy Kemp

Young singers in Hochstein’s choral program – Hochstein Singers and Youth Singers, directed by Maryellen Giese, and the Hochstein Little Singers, directed by Shana Kohler – will be featured in this free afternoon concert.

Featuring the usual mixture of musical styles, the program includes “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from the musical Hairspray; music set to words by Shakespeare and Maya Angelou; Harry Belafonte’s “Turn the World Around;” “We Will” in English and Swahili; and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which has been called the Black national anthem. The Hochstein Youth Singers also perform the world premiere of “Together, We” by Hochstein alum Jon Madden. Hochstein Little Singers sing songs about bumble bees, butterflies, and fireflies.

To view the program for this concert, click on this link.

Please note: Students and audience members will be asked to follow any COVID-19 safety guidelines that are in place at the time of the concert. Click here to view Hochstein’s COVID Safety Information: https://hochstein.org/About/Hochstein-COVID-Safety-Information.

This concert will also be live streamed on YouTube. Use this link to watch the concert on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y7oNFFU-XrE.

To receive live-streaming alerts, subscribe to our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/hochsteinschool.

 

Hochstein programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

Students in Hochstein’s Chamber Music Connection (CMC) program perform their end-of-year concert, which will feature string and brass ensembles.

The CMC Program, coordinated by Doleen Hood, offers fun and challenging opportunities to learn the art of chamber music and connect with other musicians. Small groups of students work on chamber repertoire with a coach each week throughout the school year.

Please note: Audience members will be asked to follow any COVID-19 safety guidelines that are in place at the time of the concert. Click here to view Hochstein’s COVID Safety Information: https://hochstein.org/About/Hochstein-COVID-Safety-Information.

 

The Hochstein Orchestra and Chamber Music Programs are supported in part by the Louise Alfreda Hill Memorial Fund.

Hochstein programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

Join us for a free lunchtime concert at Hochstein at High Falls, featuring Womba Africa.

Location: Granite Mills Park near the Pont de Rennes Bridge, 104 Platt Street, Rochester. Click here for a map. 

The concerts are hosted by WXXI Classical’s Mona Seghatoleslami. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating and lunch. Each performance will run approximately 40 minutes. 

The eight-member Womba Africa came to the U.S. from Ghana in hopes of competing on “America’s Got Talent” and ended up in Rochester. They have been drumming and dancing, singing, and playing in venues around town – or you might see them playing at the beach or in a park. Their joyful, exuberant music and dance draws an enthusiastic following. The group was founded by Fredrick Quaye Odai with a vision of promoting West African music and culture. The members are part of the Ga Adangbe People in greater Accra, Ghana, a tribe with a very rich and distinct history and culture. https://www.wombadrumming.com/

In the event of inclement weather, check Hochstein’s Facebook page at 10:30 am to see if the concert is moving to the rain location nearby. 

Hochstein at High Falls concerts are presented by High Falls Business Association, The Hochstein School, and WXXI.

Hochstein at High Falls concerts are made possible by a number of local organizations, including Brandtatorship, LaBella Associates, La Luna High Falls, LMT Technology Solutions, MillRace Design, Stantec, and The Zoghlin Group. (Sponsor list as of May 5, 2022)

 

Students take the stage in this free afternoon performance celebrating Hochstein’s unique and diverse dance department.

At Hochstein, the emphasis is on the educational experience and the joy of dance, led by teachers who are experts in their particular style of dance.

This dance showcase will feature students from Ballet, Tap, Caribbean/Latin, Modern, and African Dance classes.

Please note: Audience members will be asked to follow any COVID-19 safety guidelines that are in place at the time of the concert. Click here to view Hochstein’s COVID Safety Information: https://hochstein.org/About/Hochstein-COVID-Safety-Information.

 

Hochstein programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

Join us for a free lunchtime concert at Hochstein at High Falls, featuring Debbie Kendrick Project.

Location: Granite Mills Park near the Pont de Rennes Bridge, 104 Platt Street, Rochester. Click here for a map. 

The concerts are hosted by WXXI Classical’s Mona Seghatoleslami. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating and lunch. Each performance will run approximately 40 minutes. 

Vocalist Debbie Kendrick is Rochester’s Queen of the Blues, carrying on a tradition of many great blues and gospel artists that goes back to the legendary Son House. Her group has an acoustic vibe and its influences harkens back to the early days of blues, gospel, folk, and jazz music. The Debbie Kendrick Project includes drummer Pete Monacelli, a veteran of the local jazz scene; bassist Mike Patric, who also accompanies the legendary Joe Beard; and guitarist Sean Pfeifer, whose acoustic fingerstyle guitar provides a solid rhythmic background for Debbie’s powerful vocal melodies. She inspires audiences across New York and Canada with her improvisational performances, laughing with the band and chatting with the crowd.  https://www.debbiekendrickproject.com

In the event of inclement weather, check Hochstein’s Facebook page at 10:30 am to see if the concert is moving to the rain location nearby. 

Hochstein at High Falls concerts are presented by High Falls Business Association, The Hochstein School, and WXXI.

Hochstein at High Falls concerts are made possible by a number of local organizations, including Brandtatorship, LaBella Associates, La Luna High Falls, LMT Technology Solutions, MillRace Design, Stantec, and The Zoghlin Group. (Sponsor list as of May 5, 2022)

Students from Hochstein’s Expressive Arts department showcase their hard work and artistry in this free holiday program. Two performances at 4:30 and 6:00 pm.

Please note: Audience members will be asked to follow any COVID-19 safety guidelines that are in place at the time of the concert. Click here to view Hochstein’s COVID Safety Information: https://hochstein.org/About/Hochstein-COVID-Safety-Information.

For more information please call (585) 454-4596, x 235.

 

The HAROLD & JOAN FEINBLOOM FAMILY EXPRESSIVE ARTS PROGRAM: Wellness Through Creativity receives generous support from the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation and others.

Hochstein programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

Join us for Concertanza! The HochStrings Adult Chamber Orchestra, directed by Pia Liptak, performs a free concert of string music, featuring variations on the theme of the concerto.

The program includes selections by Holst, Vivaldi, Hidayat Inayat Kahn, Igor Frolov, and Johann Stamitz. Soloists include Julian Chumacero and Noah Busch, violins, and Maria Hambas, oboe.

Please note: Audience members will be asked to follow any COVID-19 safety guidelines that are in place at the time of the concert. Click here to view Hochstein’s COVID Safety Information: https://hochstein.org/About/Hochstein-COVID-Safety-Information.

 

Hochstein programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

Students from Hochstein’s Expressive Arts department showcase their hard work and artistry in this free holiday program. One performance at 2:00 pm.

Please note: Audience members will be asked to follow any COVID-19 safety guidelines that are in place at the time of the concert. Click here to view Hochstein’s COVID Safety Information: https://hochstein.org/About/Hochstein-COVID-Safety-Information.

For more information please call (585) 454-4596, x 235.

 

The HAROLD & JOAN FEINBLOOM FAMILY EXPRESSIVE ARTS PROGRAM: Wellness Through Creativity receives generous support from the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation and others.

Hochstein programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

Join us for a free lunchtime concert at Hochstein at High Falls, featuring Ann Mitchell Trio.

Location: Granite Mills Park near the Pont de Rennes Bridge, 104 Platt Street, Rochester. Click here for a map. 

The concerts are hosted by WXXI Classical’s Mona Seghatoleslami. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating and lunch. Each performance will run approximately 40 minutes. 

Ann Mitchell Trio entertains listeners with the songbook jazz classics of the 1930s-1950s with an unbeatable heart. Ann is known for her smooth, lively jazz vocal style and energetic performances. Rounding out the trio are pianist John Gabriele and bassist Kyle Vock. Ann Mitchell Trio has had an extensive list of appearances including Jazz 90.1 FM LIVE On Air Concerts, KeyBank Rochester Fringe Festival, JazzBuffalo, and Fox Rochester’s Good Day Rochester.  https://annsings.com

In the event of inclement weather, check Hochstein’s Facebook page at 10:30 am to see if the concert is moving to the rain location nearby. 

Hochstein at High Falls concerts are presented by High Falls Business Association, The Hochstein School, and WXXI.

Hochstein at High Falls concerts are made possible by a number of local organizations, including Brandtatorship, LaBella Associates, La Luna High Falls, LMT Technology Solutions, MillRace Design, Stantec, and The Zoghlin Group. (Sponsor list as of May 5, 2022)

The Hochstein Youth Singers and Hochstein Singers, directed by Maryellen Giese, join forces with the Sweden Senior Singers (also directed by Giese) and the Bel Canto Youth Chorus of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, PA, to mark the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial with this special concert featuring all three groups.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Harriet Tubman features songs about social justice and making a difference in the world, fitting as a tribute to the famed abolitionist, Civil War spy, suffragist, and humanitarian who lived in Auburn, NY from 1859 through 1913. Earlier in the day, all three groups will visit the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn, along with other sites related to her history.

The concert includes songs based on the words of Susan B. Anthony and Maya Angelou; Harry Belafonte’s “Turn the World Around;” “Give Light,” based on the words of the Civil Rights leader and organizer Ella Baker; and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which has been called the Black national anthem.

The Hochstein Youth Singers will perform the new piece “Together, We” by Hochstein alum Jon Madden, written especially for the chorus. The Bel Canto Youth Chorus will perform spirituals from “Harlem Songs” by Gwyneth Walker, with poetry by Langston Hughes; and “Stand Up” from the biographical film Harriet. The Sweden Senior Singers will perform “We are the Music Makers” by Patti Drennan.

The Bel Canto Youth Chorus was founded in 1993 and is comprised of auditioned treble singers from five counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. Their 2021 concert video Stand Up: Singing the Underground Railroad has been widely acclaimed for its expressive artistry, stunning videography, and timely message.

Sweden Senior Singers, directed by Maryellen Giese, is a chorus of enthusiastic singing seniors from the greater Brockport area who rehearse weekly during the school year (in masks and socially distanced this year) at the Sweden Clarkson Recreation Center in Brockport. Sweden Senior Singers put on a Spring Concert each year for the Brockport Community. Hochstein Youth Singers and the Brockport High School Choir each take turns performing with SSS every other year. Before the pandemic, SSS performed in nursing homes, senior facilities, and special musical events throughout the Rochester area. 

Hochstein Youth Singers is an energetic chorus made up of motivated and dedicated young musicians. Hochstein Youth Singers perform diverse choral repertoire in multiple languages and styles at concerts throughout the school year. An extension of the Hochstein Youth Singers, Hochstein Singers perform more challenging music, combining voice training with the joyful experience of music-making.

Join us for a free lunchtime concert at Hochstein at High Falls, featuring John Dady & Benny Bleu.

Location: Granite Mills Park near the Pont de Rennes Bridge, 104 Platt Street, Rochester. Click here for a map. 

The concerts are hosted by WXXI Classical’s Mona Seghatoleslami. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating and lunch. Each performance will run approximately 40 minutes. 

John Dady – one half of the Rochester Music Hall of Fame inductees The Dady Brothers – brings his unique blend of Irish and American folk music back to Hochstein at High Falls. Joining him for this concert will be Benny Bleu, an award-winning banjo player, songwriter, and singer who is also a member of The Brothers Blue and The Crawdiddies. John and Benny have been friends and musical kin for years. Both are songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, so you can expect lots of spontaneous moments of musical magic. https://dadybros.com - https://bennybleu.com

In the event of inclement weather, check Hochstein’s Facebook page at 10:30 am to see if the concert is moving to the rain location nearby. 

Hochstein at High Falls concerts are presented by High Falls Business Association, The Hochstein School, and WXXI.

Hochstein at High Falls concerts are made possible by a number of local organizations, including Brandtatorship, LaBella Associates, La Luna High Falls, LMT Technology Solutions, MillRace Design, Stantec, and The Zoghlin Group. (Sponsor list as of May 5, 2022)