Mason Decker took the stage for his final high school concert with excitement for what’s next and some concerns.
“I want it to be the perfect last concert,” said the senior before taking the stage to play the alto saxophone at Rhinebeck High School’s spring concert on April 30.
Decker, who performed with the senior ensemble and concert band, was one of 19 seniors recognized at the conclusion of the concert for their dedication to the district’s music program.
Each senior band and chorus member received a gift from Laura Natalie, instrumental music director, and Dan Conroy, vocal music director. The students also presented their teachers with a gift.
“Performing at Rhinebeck, it’s about the community, the people you meet, the friends you make and working together to build something bigger than yourself,” said Decker, who will attend the University of Chicago.
“I like to share the love and passion of making music. We’ve all been together for so long, making music together. You get to know the people and you stick together. I always love being able to spend time with my friends.”
The concert opened with the steel drum band performing Tony Hartman’s “Island Walk,” and the senior ensemble playing Dimitri Shostakovich’s “Waltz No. 2” and Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing.”
The concert band followed with five songs, including Jay Ungar’s “Ashokan Farewell” as a tribute to the seniors.
The high school chorus and choir club took the stage, singing seven songs including Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” Matt Carlson’s “The Little Creek” and Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”
“After they’ve spent so much time learning these pieces, they got a chance to share them with a big audience,” said Conroy. “I think it’s exciting for them, and that’s nice to see.”
Elliott VanSteenburg performed with the senior ensemble, concert band, chorus and choir club, and shared the importance of music department to his high school experience.
“It’s built a community where most of my closest friends are,” said VanSteenburg, who played the baritone horn with the senior ensemble and tuba with the concert band.
“It’s really nice to connect with people, not through words but through music.”
Class of 2026
Chloe Buri da Cunha, Joslan Carter, Raymond Eckert, River Enschede, Jennifer Cruz, Lily D’Ordine, Mason Decker, Amaia Hayes, Caswell LaRose, Nora Lopez, Brandon Martinez, Mackenzie Massarone, Anna Quattrone, Alan Raitt, Madison Ranalli, Abigail Roger, Ian Torgersen, Elliot VanSteenburg, Genevieve Wahlgren
Concert band honorees
Joslan Carter +; Lucy Fleming + =; Fernanda Garcia-Santiago =; Amaia Hayes +; Abigail Roger +; Ryker Mundigo +=; Dylan Dib =&; Kamiyah Hendricks +; Kamyar Kemp +; Maddox Gallagher +=; Makayla Robinson +; Zoe Davey =; Brandon Martinez +; Rose Wheeler +
+ Band officer
* NYSBDA Honor Band
& NYSSMA Area All-State
= NYSSMA Solo Festival
Chorus honorees
Moses Bendiner *=; Joslan Carter &=; Zoe Davey =; River Enschede &; Sammy Erdman =; Maddox Gallagher =; Seamus Hagen *; Amaia Hayes &; Elliot Vansteenburg =
& NYSSMA Area All-State
* DCMEA All-County Festival
= NYSSMA Solo Festival