San Marco

A long, long time ago, when I was newly married and my wife and I were expecting our first child in 1987, I played piano at OLPH church in Ardsley every Sunday morning. At that time I can recall meditating on the fact that since I'd gone to school in Ardsley (from 1969-73 @ OLPH), and since I now played in church there as well, wouldn't it be cool if someday I could teach school in Ardsley as well. Well isn't it funny how things unfold in one's life, many times without one even knowing it's all happening?

This morning, in the middle of mass in St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, as I let my eyes wander up into the high, gold mosaic arches of that ancient place of worship, I deeply realized why it had all come to be as it is. Your children's voices brought to me one of the most sublime experiences I have ever had in my life -- something I will never forget. This morning, at what was a very well-attended mass in St. Mark's Basilica, on the first Sunday in Lent, the Ardsley High School Select Chorus was much more than magnificent! I wish you could have heard their voices rolling around that enormous space, a space that has resounded with countless choirs both large and small for a thousand years! How very lucky I felt to have been there to listen, and to know each of the young people who were making such an angelic sound! 

Each piece was audio-recorded as well as partially video recorded. I'm sure you will all agree with me when you hear it how very special it was! But I truly wish you had heard it as I heard it, along with Mr. Smith and Mrs. Silberfein, live and up close!

Indeed, I consider myself lucky. I know Mr. Smith feels the same. Thank you for supporting and keeping music in your children's lives. It truly blesses many more people than you may think!

AUDIO from the 12:00 noon Mass at St. Mark's Basilica, Sunday February 17
Ubi Caritas
Sicut Cervus
Ave Verum Corpus
Cantate Domino
Amazing Grace