Star of the Strings

Uniondale, N.Y. – The Uniondale Union Free School District’s (UFSD) Turtle Hook Middle School has a musical prodigy in its midst. Eighth grade student Jarred Mercado was recently awarded the position of Concertmaster for the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra Nassau String Division. As Concertmaster, Jarred will act as the principal first violinist in the orchestra and is responsible for leading the entirety of his section, instructing their bowings so every violinist is playing in synchronicity. This tremendous accomplishment comes from years of hard work and dedication, as well as continuous support and various opportunities from the District.

“The District would like to congratulate Jarred on this remarkable accomplishment! It’s not every day that a student achieves highest ranking in an established, county-wide musical group,” said Dr. William K. Lloyd, Superintendent of the Uniondale Union Free School District. “The District encourages our students to excel in all areas, presenting them with the resources and opportunities to grow their interests and passions.”

The Nassau String Orchestra is a subset of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York. The ensemble is comprised of string players, ages ranging from late elementary school to early high school, who have successfully completed a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Level four solo or higher. The orchestra performs a number of original pieces as well as various arrangements of traditional orchestral numbers.

For more information about the Uniondale Union Free School District, please visit the District’s website at http://district.uniondaleschools.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/uniondalek12