Photos courtesy of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District
Carl Strommen, a Wellington C. Mepham High School Class of 1957 alumnus, visited the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble at his alma mater on Dec. 9.
Students were led by band director Anthony Brandofino, who invited the alumnus to visit.
“Mr. Strommen has spent his career as a prolific music composer,” Brandofino said. “This event was particularly special because we have been able to host him in preparing for our concert performance. It is apparent in talking with Mr. Strommen that he holds a special place in his heart for Mepham.”
After rehearsing a piece of Strommen’s music they will play at their Dec. 20 concert, Strommen offered feedback to help students hone their performance.
“It’s something special to be standing here hearing you play my music when I was once sitting where you were,” Strommen reminisced. “I would suggest you keep this guy for a while he’s doing a great job,” he quipped about Brandofino.
Cheryl Fontana, the district’s director of the fine & performing arts, said working with Mr. Strommen has been an extremely rewarding for the students.
“Any opportunity to learn from a professional in the field is invaluable, but the fact that he is a CHSD alum makes it that much more special,” she added. “We are so grateful for the time he has spent with our students beginning first at John F. Kennedy High School in 2019 when the collaboration on the piece began and now here at Mepham, his alma mater.”
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