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On Saturday there was a different sound of music coming from the sanctuary of Third Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rhinebeck. It wasn’t the usual sound of church hymns played on an organ and sung by the congregation. Instead, it was the sound of violins, flutes, clarinets, saxophone, young voices, the piano, guitar and even a snare drum. Selections included everything from Broadway show tunes to folk, improvised and classical music.

The twenty-seven performers were students from Carol Schaad’s violin studio in Rhinebeck, and the Red Hook, Rhinebeck, and Hyde Park Elementary and Middle Schools preparing for their upcoming NYSSMA performances, as well as young members of the congregation simply sharing their musical talents.

The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) provides music students from public schools, private institutions, and studios the opportunity to perform as soloists and in small ensembles at regional music festivals. In all grade levels, performers are rated for the ability to play scales from memory and to sight read a new piece of music, as well as on the performance of their selected piece. Students select their pieces from one of six levels provided for in the official NYSSMA music list. NYSSMA evaluations are considered when choosing students to participate in the All-County Festivals for 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th grade, and Area All-State Festivals for 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th grade. At the All-State level, 11^th grade students compete against colleagues across New York State for a position in the choirs, wind ensembles and orchestras.

Cara Silvernail-Thomson, music teacher in the Red Hook school district and Choir Director at Third Evangelical Lutheran Church, organized the event to provide an opportunity for the students to perform their selections in front of an audience prior to their NYSSMA performances. The hard work put into preparation and the enthusiasm of the children as they performed for family, friends and members of the congregation was evident in the quality of the performances.

There was a reception for all participants and attendees prepared by members of the congregation in the Fellowship Hall following the performances. The enthusiastic and positive feedback from all involved will certainly serve as the motivation to make this an annual event on Third’s calendar.

Third Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at the corner of Center and Livingston Streets in the heart of Rhinebeck. It is only a short walk from either Montgomery Street (Route 9) or East Market Street (Route 308). The church office can be contacted at 876-4471.

Sunday morning traditional Holy Communion services start at 9:30 AM and are followed by Sunday School at 10:45 AM. There is also a service on Saturday evening at 5:30 with Holy Communion. Both services are conducted by Pastor LeRoy Ness. All are welcome to attend. “Come Grow with Us”