Student Musicians Perform Holiday Classics At White House: Videos

MASTIC BEACH, NY — It's a moment they'll undoubtedly remember forever: William Paca Middle School and William Floyd High School student-musicians had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity last weekend to perform at the White House's East Room as part of this year’s “Christmas at the White House” celebration.

According to the district, the theme for this year’s event was “The Spirit of America,” a tribute to the traditions, customs and history that make the United States a great nation. William Floyd students performed at the invitation of Rep. Lee Zeldin, who lives in Shirley and graduated from William Floyd High School.

The groups, the William Paca Middle School jazz band, under the direction of Joseph Cordaro, and the William Floyd High School brass quintet and brass ensemble, under the direction of Michael Cordaro, performed holiday favorites, “Let it Snow” and “Jingle Bell Rock."

The students wowed the audience in the same room that has hosted historic events such as the signing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, various historic presidential announcements, presidential funerals including those of Abraham Lincoln and JFK, the signing of treaties such as the US-Soviet Union Bilateral Agreements in 1990 and performances by many of the most popular musical acts in the world, the district said.

“Most music teachers would agree that having the opportunity to rehearse and perform with students is always remarkable,” said music teachers and brothers Joseph and Michael Cordaro. “Being William Floyd alumni makes this experience even more meaningful; it is almost beyond words."

“The students in our ensembles performed with maturity beyond their years, remaining professional and poised throughout their performances, even earning a compliment directly from the Secret Service,” they added. “To say that our students made the William Floyd School District and community proud would not do the experience justice. We are immensely gratified and honored to be their teachers. This entire experience was educational, exciting and breathtaking – it will be one we will remember forever.”

The East Room is also the home of the White House’s most prized treasure — the Lansdowne portrait of George Washington painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1796; it is the only object that has remained in the White House collection since 1800, even surviving the War of 1812, when then First Lady Dolly Madison refused to flee the approaching British troops until the portrait was moved to safety, sparing it from the British torches, the district said.