Whiz Kids: Riverhead High School Chamber Orchestra

Riverhead's finest student musicians made a trip into the big city in late March to play at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, one of the country's most renowned performing arts venues, after they were invited to theNational Band and Orchestra Festival.  

The Riverhead Chamber Orchestra, a group of 21 gifted musicians from grades nine through 12, performed in the 2,700-seat Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center, home of the New York Philharmonic, on March 28.

"I was starstruck," said Emily Cardillo, a violinist with the chamber orchestra. "Every note rang. And rang."

Schools from as far as California participated in the festival, and Marisa Macchio - the orchestra's conductor - quickly jumped on the opportunity to pitch the event to parents when they were asked.

In addition to the opportunity to perform on the stage - and earn a chance to play in an evening concert, which unfortunately did not happen - the orchestra received written comments from one of the festival's clinicians and performed with him as well. Daniel Baldwin, director of orchestras at Luther College in Iowa, said the group had a, "very nice repertoire," "nice effects performance," a "well-worked tango," and "lots of potential."

Amanda Gallo, a violinist with the orchestra, said that the opportunity to perform in the chamber choir should be recognized as a reflection of the priority that the arts are given in Riverhead schools.

"So many kids participate in music, and this is another great program," Gallo said. "It's nice to know that the administration supports us."

Do you know a star student, a talented young tradesman, or an athlete - or team - who's on a hot streak? Then you know a , and we want to profile him/her. Send your nominations to:josephp@patch.com.