Colonie Central High School will host its annual spring band concert on Wednesday, June 3 at 7 p.m. in the CCHS Auditorium, featuring a special performance by the Wind Ensemble alongside returning alumni and  faculty.

The performance will feature current students alongside returning music alumni and faculty in a collaborative presentation of Second Wind by composer Randall Standridge. The work is part of Standridge’s Unbreakable Project, a series of compositions that explore themes related to perseverance and mental health. The ensemble will also perform Spring Will Come Again, another selection from the same project.

Through the support of the South Colonie Friends of Music, which contributed $500 toward commissioning the piece through the New York State Band Directors Association, Colonie Central High School’s Wind Ensemble will be among the first school ensembles in the world to premiere Second Wind.

“The performance brings together alumni who have continued their musical journeys in professional, academic, and community settings, including performers, music educators, university students, and Broadway musicians,” said CCHS Director of Bands James Haertel.“Performing side by side with current students creates a powerful full-circle moment, highlighting the enduring influence of the district’s music program and the lifelong connection these alumni have to it.”

Returning alumni performers include: Ava Althoff, Halla Rhode, Cathryn Jones, Kyle Chamberlin, Cathryn Wake, Mi-Son Hinkson-Serrano, Adam Sauter, Cody Chamberlin, Dante Malagrida, Samuel Rhode, and Tristen Jarvis. They will perform alongside current faculty members Mindy Matheke, Ruth Richardson, and Hilary Boyer.

The collaboration supports current Wind Ensemble students as they prepare a challenging and meaningful program.In addition to showcasing alumni achievement, the concert highlights the importance of mental health awareness through music and community connection. The evening will serve as both a performance milestone for all band students and a celebration marking the culmination of their year.

The performance is free and open to the public as always, with a suggested donation of $5 per person which will be accepted in honor of Northern Rivers in Albany, NY.  Northern Rivers’ mission is to empower children, adults, and families to change their lives and build stronger communities.  They provide help and hope to those in our school community who struggle with abuse, neglect, trauma, and mental health challenges.