Students bring holiday cheer to MacArthur

They come from a range of backgrounds, but when the 76 students of the Patchogue-Medford High School Choral Ensemble sing, they are one.

"We're a really good representation of our district -- there are band geeks, athletes, academic kids in this choir," said Christine Boehm, 16, after rehearsal Friday. "We have all different people. . . . We don't know what each of us does when we get home, but that doesn't matter; here it's all about the music, producing this wonderful sound."

"Here, we have to melt together . . . and you don't find that in many places," added Aaron Rodriguez, 15.

This week, that choir will be among 200 student musicians from six Suffolk schools taking turns in a series of holiday performances for airline passengers at Long Island MacArthur Airport.

The series, which features local professional musicians from jazz, classical and barbershop traditions, runs Monday through Friday, one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.

This is the fourth year the airport has provided the program, and this season's expanded series is being underwritten by the nearby MacArthur Courtyard Marriott, said airport Commissioner Teresa Rizzuto.

Frank D'Andrea, the hotel's director of sales and marketing, said the concert participants "are our neighbors and friends," so it made sense to offer financial and moral support. "It coincides with a fairly large expected influx of returning veterans who benefit from the Hometown Hero Welcome the airport provides. We hope this makes it especially poignant for them," he said.

"It's wonderful to be able to provide this showcase for our young people and at the same time provide an uplifting, joyful experience for our traveling public," said airport spokeswoman Catherine Green.

Other school groups performing are from Connetquot High, Ronkonkoma Middle, Ward Melville High, Connetquot Elementary, and Sayville High.

For Brian Reich, choral director at Patchogue-Medford High, the series provides an opportunity for his community-minded choristers to give back.

"They can give to the community in the way they feel most confident -- singing. And through the experience, they, in turn, witness how much music can emotionally stir people."

Gabrielle Aviles, 16, of Medford, can't wait for the group's performance Wednesday.

"Something good needs to come out of here," she said at the school Friday. "And we're the representation of something great that comes out of here."

Performance schedule

Monday

10 a.m.-noon

Connetquot High School Chamber Orchestra

5-7:30 p.m.

Harbormen Barbershop Chorus

Tuesday

10 a.m.-noon

Ronkonkoma Middle School Chamber Orchestra

5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Bill Rignola Quintet

Wednesday

2-4 p.m.

Patchogue-Medford High School Choral Ensemble

5-7:30 p.m.

Ron & Julie Meixsell, Classical Singers

Thursday

3-5 p.m.

Tommy Manuel All Star Jazz Quartet

5-7 p.m.

Ward Melville High School Jazz Ensemble

Friday

10-11 a.m.

Connetquot Elementary School "Chords" (East Islip)

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Sayville High School Chamber Players

2-4 p.m.

Frank Anthony Jazz Trio

All performances are free to travelers and the general public. For a preview of music included in the series go to http://www.flylima.com