By Dede Shelton
MARGARETVILLE — The Margaretville Central School (MCS) gymnasium was transformed into a vibrant celebration of music, community, and student talent for the second annual Fortissimo Gala, the primary fundraiser for the school’s music department. The event, which takes its name from the musical term meaning “to be performed very loudly,” offered an evening of powerful performances and heartfelt collaboration that underscored the importance of supporting music education in small schools.
The gala brought together students, educators, professional musicians, parents, and community leaders with one shared goal: to raise at least $10,000 in support of the MCS music program. Funds raised will be used to purchase and repair instruments including a much-needed drum kit and timpani—acquire new band uniforms and choir robes, fund field trips and festival fees, and even provide scholarships for aspiring music students.
An Evening of Student Talent and Community Support
The gala was orchestrated by Jenna Tucker, the school’s PreK–12 music teacher, in partnership with Garth Kravits and Julia Rugg of the Margaretville Arts Center and Delaware County School of Performing Arts. Kravits, a long-term substitute teacher at MCS and a key organizer, also conducted students in the evening’s opening number.
“We wanted to create an event that could fund the entire wish list for our music students for the year,” Tucker said. “Last year’s gala raised over $8,000 and earned a $5,000 matching grant from the O’Connor Foundation. This year, we hope to go even further.”
From kindergartners to high school seniors, every student who wanted to perform was given the opportunity to take the stage. Many featured acts included solos and ensembles prepared for the NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) competition—a cornerstone of the MCS music program. This year, students achieved the highest scores in school history, with several earning near-perfect evaluations.
Bridging Students and Professionals
The evening’s performances included collaborations between students and professional musicians, offering students a chance to experience the rigor and joy of working with seasoned artists.
One such collaboration featured LilliAnn Van Benschoten, student flutist and president of the MCS Music Council, performing an original composition with renowned multi-instrumentalist Stephan Said. The piece, Another World Is Possible, was arranged especially for the gala and featured four student vocalists alongside Said and a student flutist.
“These kids are getting real-world experience,” said Rugg. “The professionals aren’t just performing—they’re mentoring. It’s a symbiotic relationship that’s so inspiring to watch.”
Said, who is also a parent at MCS, emphasized the broader impact of the evening. “Music brings communities together. In a world that often feels divided, events like this remind us of what we can build when we come together.”
A Showcase of Student Leadership and Dedication
Student involvement extended far beyond the stage. Many volunteered as servers, decorators, and stage crew. “They really took ownership,” Tucker said. “From brainstorming how to make the night special, to greeting guests, their enthusiasm carried this event.”
Van Benschoten echoed this sentiment. “We need to replace old instruments. Some are barely holding together. This fundraiser supports not just what we do now, but what we can do in the future—like scholarships for kids who want to pursue music professionally.”
Looking Ahead
With eyes on the future, the music department hopes to fund trips to Broadway for the varsity chorus, more adjudicated performances at Six Flags, and, eventually, scholarship programs. As Julia Rugg put it, “It’s a Herculean effort. But instead of asking families to sell wrapping paper or cookie dough all year, we go all out one night and make it count.”
Chris Hensley, co-founder of sponsor Catskills Air, summed it up best: “It’s exciting to see young talent flourish. Events like this give them the spotlight and the tools to shine brighter.”
As the final notes rang out and the applause echoed across the gym, one thing was clear: Fortissimo isn’t just a dynamic musical direction—it’s a fitting symbol of a school and a community coming together, loudly and proudly, to support the future of music.
For more information or to support the MCS music program, contact the school or visit the Margaretville Arts Center’s website.
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