Over 80 local students of all ages congregated at the Pelham Country Club to participate in the annual Pelham Music Festival on Saturday. The young musicians performed solo and duet pieces of various genres ranging from classical piano and violin to folk vocals and acoustic guitar. Band and orchestral ensembles from Colonial, Siwanoy, Hutchinson, Prospect, and Pelham Memorial High School also had the opportunity to perform.
One ensemble that performed at the festival was from the New Rochelle-based non-profit named Songcatchers. Songcatchersworks closely with the Pelham Music Festival and aims to provide affordable high-quality music education and enrichment to children.
Rose Horley, organizer of the Pelham Music Festival since 2015, said she relishes seeing student performers enjoy music and grow throughout her years of hosting the event.
The festival also provides an opportunity for local high school students to volunteer. “I enjoyed getting to hear various genres of music performed by a wide variety of people and age groups,” said event volunteer and performer Leo Spunberg.
Throughout the entire day, the open and kind environment created by the Pelham Country Club and its staff heightened the experience and allowed both the audience and performers to appreciate the gorgeous music. As each student prepared for their performance, a sense of anticipation and awe filled the audience of supporting family and friends.
“I hope the audience enjoyed our piece,” said Sam Cullen, an AcaPelican soloist. “We rehearsed frequently and worked very hard for this performance.”
The wonderful experience left its attendees excited to see what the next Pelham Music Festival will hold.