Students at Somers Central School District performed a spring orchestra program that school staff described in the transcript as the students’ “final assessment,” featuring arrangements and classical pieces presented by middle- and upper-level ensembles.

The program opened with an orchestral arrangement of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” credited in the transcript to Robert Wagner, and proceeded through a mix of repertoire including “Zara Banda” by Enrique Granados, an arranged movement of Vivaldi’s concerto in G major (Al Rustica), a student-feature piece called “Viva Violas,” Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Little Fugue,” Doug Spada’s “Gargoyles,” selections from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and a closing overture attributed in the transcript to Elliot Del Borgo. Presenters and student musicians introduced most selections with brief program notes about style, technique and the sections that would be featured.

A staff member who introduced several items and thanked colleagues and families described the concert as a capstone of the year, saying, “It’s been such a privilege working with each and every one of them.” That speaker also acknowledged support from “Miss Mangoni,” “Miss Lucicero” and the Board of Education, and said she will miss the eighth-graders moving on to high school.

Student presenters offered short descriptions of individual pieces and pointed out technical elements audiences could listen for: the use of tremolo and rock beat in the “Thriller” arrangement; dynamic contrasts and unison themes in Granados’s piece; the flowing melodies and a minor-mode section in the Vivaldi movement; and the violas’ ensemble role in “Viva Violas.” The transcript includes presenters’ notes about tempo, dynamics (for example, piano, forte and fortissimo), codas and specific techniques such as samba (described in the transcript as a left-hand finger movement for string players) and plucking.

The transcript does not specify the concert date, the exact venue within the district, or the grade levels for every performing ensemble. It indicates the performance functions as part of the school music program’s assessment process and highlights teacher and community support.

Program notes, as read by student and staff presenters in the transcript, emphasized both the educational purpose of the concert and the variety of repertoire showcased, from transcriptions of popular music to baroque and contemporary concert pieces. The evening closed with the overture attributed to Elliot Del Borgo and final remarks of appreciation to students and families.