Peter Benhke, Cassie Kernan and Hillary O'Sullivan, members of the Hilton Elementary School band, wait for ceremonies to start.

A quartet of singers lead off the program singing "The Star Spangled Banner." Linda Hayward-Merkl signed for the audience.

Members of the Merton Williams Select Chorus perform "Pie Jesu." Photographs by Walter Horylev

"We dedicate this night
of music to all America."
- Dr. John Cooper
Hilton Superintendent

From "It's a Grand Old Flag" to "Amazing Grace" and "Pie Jesu," Hilton school students and community members joined together at Hilton High School, October 25 for a "Musical Salute to America." "There were some tears as veterans stood up and received recognition ... interpreters for the deaf signed the evening ... speeches by politicians emphasized that Americans know who they are by the freedoms we have and defend ... but probably the most poignant moment was when the colors were retired at the end of the concert by the Veterans color guard. The audience was silent as the gymnasium echoed the measured marching of combat boots leaving the floor," said Barbara Carder Pierce. More than $3,000 was raised to add to Hilton Schools' $16,500 already contributed. Proceeds donated the evening of the concert were distributed to the New York City Police Foundation Heroes Fund, New York Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund, The United Way and New York Community Trust September 11th Fund.

Hilton's Musical
Salute to America
airs on cable Nov. 8

The Hilton School District's October 25 benefit concert, A Musical Salute to America, will be re-broadcast on Cable CH 12 Thursday, November 8, at 7 p.m.

The two-hour concert featured all of Hilton's bands, choruses and ensembles playing a concert of stirring patriotic music. The concert also featured the more than 150 veterans, police, fire-fighters, area church choruses, and many civic and political leaders who partici-pated in the one-of-a-kind event.

The concert raised $3,144 to help aid the victims of the September 11th tragedy including police and firefighters of New York City which is combined with the district's $16,593 already raised. Over 2,300 people were in attendance at the concert, according to Superintendent of Schools John Cooper, who moderated the event.

In addition, the concert is available on video. To place your name on a list to or-der the videotape (cost estimated at $6-$10), call the Hilton District Switchboard at 392-1000 ext. 6000 before Thanksgiving. The videotapes will be available in December before the holidays.