The inside cover page for the The Sullivan County
Music Educators' Association (SCMEA) 59th Annual All County Music Festival
program noted that "the ideal music program does not exist...someone must built
it...someone must shape and create the attitude for support and someone must
make a long range commitment," all of which is easily attributed to Festival
Chairperson Gary E. Siegel who has chaired over a dozen All-County festivals and
will retire this year completing 32-years of teaching music.
One of the plaques presented to Siegel prior to the start of
the 5 p.m. Concert Two March 2 at the Liberty High School David E. Panebaker
auditorium said, "in honor of your retirement and sincere appreciation for your
dedicated service and countless volunteer hours on behalf of a quality-based,
high standards music education for all students in Sullivan County and New York
State."
Siegel served as SCMEA president from 1987-1989 and has been
a member of the NYSSMA State Government Relations Committee.
Making the presentation from Marc Greene, New York State
School Music Association President was Lori Orestano-James, New York State
School Music Association State Advocacy Chairperson.
Other presentations and resolutions were from Mike Mingo,
SCMEA President, 19th Congressional District U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson, the
state of New York legislative resolution from the NYS Assembly and Assemblywoman
Aileen Gunther, a resolution from the NYS State Senate and State Senator John
Bonacic and Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Scott Samuelson with a
proclamation proclaiming the month of March as "Music In Our Schools
Month."
Gary's 32-year teaching career started with three years in
the Livingston Manor CSD and 29-years in the Liberty CSD, 28-years where he has
been Director of Music.
In addition to chairing the All-County Music Festival he has
served as chairman of numerous area All-State Festivals and NYSSMA Solo
Evalution Festivals.
Asked what he enjoys most in teaching Gary said, "I enjoy
most seeing the kids grow each year and the musical education growth is
tremendous."
"The most enjoyable time of the year is the spring when the
students are at their highest level of skill as a result of the efforts
throughout the school year," Siegel noted.
Gary has been married to his wife, Judy (Haas) Siegel for
28-years . Their two children, daughter Georgia graduated from Hofstra
University and is working as the Court Clerk for the Town of Liberty. Son Max is
a senior at Ithaca College majoring in music with an emphasis on Sound Recording
Technology and just completed his internship in Seattle, Washington and will
graduate in May.
His dad, Lee Siegel will be 94 in August and served as
Supervisor for the Town of Rockland for 10 years. Lee plays the clarinet in the
Callicoon Center Band during the summer.
A trumpet member of the Callicoon Center Band for almost 40
years Gary is joined by his dad and son Max each summer.
Jim Newton, the conductor of the Callicoon Center Band was
Gary's teacher at Livingston Manor.
The program for the 5 p.m. Concert Two featured the
outstanding performances by the All County Junior High Band conducted by Joseph
Loposky, the All County Senior High Women's Chorus conducted by Eileen
Mackintosh, the All County High School Jazz Ensemble under the direction of
Frank Petrocelli and the All County Senior High Mixed Chorus conducted by
Douglas Avery.
Adding to the local flavor of the Festival was the fact that
Petrocelli is a graduate of Liberty High School and holds a masters degree in
saxophone performance and jazz studies from Western Michigan University. He also
holds a music education degree from Western Michigan and a bachelors degree in
computer science and music from SUNY Oswego. He performs with the Greater New
York Wind Symphony and holds a teaching position at Monroe-Woodbury High
School.
Presentations receiving high audience praise included the
Grand Galop (Circus March) by the Junior High Band, I Am But A Small Voice by
the Senior High Women's Chorus, In A Sentimental Mood by the High School Jazz
Ensemble and I Hear America Singing by the Senior High Mixed
Chorus.
Talented music programs like this would not be possible
without all of our schools music teachers who spend hours preparing their
students to reach this milestone and to the many parents who support their
children in our schools music programs.
PHOTO IDENTIFICATION
Liberty Central School Director of Music Gary E. Siegel
directs the Middle School band at a performance at the Capital Building in
Albany. He has chaired over a dozen All-County Music Festivals and will retire
this year after a 32-year teaching career.
Part of the trumpet and trombone section of the All-County
Junior High School Band during their performance March 2 in the 59th Annual
All-County Music Festival at Liberty High School.
Monticello Central School Tenor Sax player Andrew Garrison
performs with the All-County High School Jazz Ensemble as part of the 59th
Annual All-County Music Festival.
Members of the All-County Senior High Mixed Chorus performing
at the 59th Annual All-County Music Festival March 2 at Liberty High
School.
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