New Tri-Towns Symphonic Festival Unites Hendrick Hudson with Croton, Yorktown Musicians

Last year, the high school music teachers from Hendrick Hudson, Croton-Harmon and Yorktown High Schools met for dinner to discuss a new musical opportunity for students.

"We wanted to create an experience where students could perform high-level symphonic repertoire in a large ensemble without the barrier of a formal audition," Hendrick Hudson Orchestra Director Lauren Morabito said. "Our goal was to bring together like-minded high school musicians from neighboring districts, give them the chance to collaborate, and learn from different teachers."

From that meeting, a new tradition was born: The Tri-Towns Symphonic Festival.

Each teacher selected students who were ready for this challenge and prepared the music with them in advance. On Nov. 21, the teachers held their first full rehearsal as a combined ensemble. Less than 24 hours later, on Nov. 22, the students performed beautifully for their friends, families and communities.

"It was a rewarding, challenging, inspiring and genuinely fun experience for everyone involved," Mrs. Morabito said. "We are incredibly proud of these remarkable young musicians and look forward to continuing this festival next year."