Colonie Central High School hosted its annual concert on Wednesday, June 3, featuring a special performance by the Wind Ensemble alongside returning Colonie alumni and faculty.

The performance featured 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 also performed “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 was 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 included: Ava Althoff, Cathryn Jones, Kyle Chamberlin, Mi-Son Hinkson-Serrano, Adam Sauter, Cody Chamberlin, Dante Malagrida, and Samuel Rhode. They performed alongside current faculty members Mindy Matheke, Ruth Richardson, and Hilary Boyer.

The collaboration supported current Wind Ensemble students as they prepared a challenging and meaningful program. The concert also highlighted the importance of mental health awareness through music and community connection.

“Music is a really good outlet for mental health. Even in the smallest capacity,” said Cathryn Jones, Class of 2011. “You may not go on to do music but not a lot of people walk away from music without it following them in some sort of capacity. ”

The performance was free and open to the public as always, with a suggested donation in support of Northern Rivers in Albany, NY.