On Sunday, December 4th, a packed house enjoyed kicking off the holiday season listening to beautiful music in a festive setting. The Albion High School Alumni Foundation and the Albion Courthouse Square presented An Albion Family Christmas event at the Albion First Presbyterian Church. Proceeds from the concert benefit the AHS Alumni Foundation Scholarship Fund, where it will be awarded to various Albion HS graduating seniors to aid them financially as they continue their education beyond high school.
Performances by Albion High School students, alumni, faculty, and other local talent delighted all who attended….as did the special appearance by Cobble, the Museum Mouse from the Cobblestone Museum Complex. Here are some photos of each of the wonderful performers who donated their time and talent to brighten our day, ring in the Christmas spirit, and support the Albion HS Alumni Foundation.
Photo credits: Kim Wright Pritt (Class of ’74) and Sue Starkweather-Miller (Class of ’81)
The church was beautifully decorated.
Narration by Jan-Mikael Erakare of stories between performances was a quaint addition to the show.
Charlie Nesbitt, AHS Alumni Foundation Board member and Class of ’65 Alum, welcomed the audience.
Attendance was at near capacity for the beautiful, historic Presbyterian church
AHS Brass Ensemble
Karen Conn (Class of ’86 and AHS faculty member) and her daughter, Shannon Vanderlaan (Class of ’11)
Karen and her daughter, Shannon, performed an original song they composed in honor of Karen’s mother and Shannon’s grandmother, Barbara Kenney. The song is titled “Every December” and brought many a tear throughout the crowd.
AHS Clarinet Choir
AHS Clarinet Choir
AHS Faculty Ensemble consisted of five of the seven music department faculty members – all of whom are AHS Alumni
Karen Conn (Class of ’86) – vocals, Carrie Kozody (Class of ’88) – vocals, Greg Martillotta (Class of ’88) – drums, Gary Simboli (Class of ’81) – piano and vocals, and Mike Thaine (Class of ’86) – horn
Carrie Kozody and Karen Conn
Mike Thaine and Greg Martillotta
Gary Simboli and Mike Thaine
AHS Saxophone Ensemble
AHS Men’s and Women’s Select Choirs
Joe Sacco (Class of ’55) and Harriette Greaser (organ accompaniment)
Joe Sacco
AHS Flute Ensemble
Cobble, the Museum Mouse helped lead the audience sing-a-long, as Gary Simboli played the organ
Cobble, the Museum Mouse – mascot of the Cobblestone Museum Complex
Cobble and the AHS Men’s Select Choir leading the audience sing-a-long
Greg Martillotta (Class of ’88) and his sister, Gwen Ferchen (Class of ’91)
Greg Martillotta and Gwen Ferchen
AHS Woodwind Quintet
Mike Grammatico and his grandson, Nate Grammatico, an AHS Sophomore, perform together on saxophones
Mike and Nate Grammatico
Gary and Claudia Deiboldt
AHS Men’s and Women’s Select Choirs joined by Cobble, the Museum Mouse for a final song and a sing-a-long
The Albion Alumni Foundation would like to thank all these amazing musicians, Cobble the Museum Mouse, and all who attended and volunteered behind the scenes to make this concert a huge success. We would also like to give our thanks and appreciation to our sponsors and program advertisers:
Platinum Level:
Keeler Construction Co, Inc; Barre Stone Products, Inc; Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc; Albion Agencies, Inc; Assemblyman Steve Hawley; Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Madejski; Mark Paganelli – RFG Associates
Gold Level:
Don Davis Chevrolet – Buick – GMC; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nesbitt; Peter Snell Realtors; Anonymous; Kast Farms; Steve Hicks – Brighton Securities
Series Supporters:
Kim Pritt; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Diminuco; Brigden Memorials; Jim and Linda Babcock; Suburban Electric; Kevin and Laura Allen
Program Advertisers:
Jim Doyle Guitar Studio; Downtown and Uptown Browsery Co-Ops; The Orleans Hub; Pat’s Long Bridge Repair
Learn how you, too, can help the Albion HS Alumni Foundation make a difference for a lifetime at our website, www.AlbionAlumni.org or contact us via mail at PO Box 345, Albion, NY 14411. Please consider us with your end of year giving opportunities.
You can also like us on Facebook at “Albion High School Alumni Foundation” and follow us on Twitter @AlbionHS Alumni.
