Jenna Rae Gaertner

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Jan 16, 2026, 10:31 PM

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Updated

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More than 400 of Nassau County’s top high school musicians held a rehearsal at Hempstead High School for their Nassau Music Educators Association All-County performances.

Hempstead High hosted the Division V instrumental ensembles, including symphony orchestra, string orchestra, concert band and jazz band.

Hempstead Schools Director of Music Xavier Rodriguez says he is proud that his school can host so much talent.

“Our music program has definitely been reborn in the last few years,” Rodriguez said. “We are seeing tremendous growth, and students are now actually seeing what opportunities lie ahead for them.”

“Everybody has their own style of music that they connect with, and it's very important that we have these kinds of groups in schools so that people can learn that they like this music too,” senior Jonathan Ochoa said.

Students will perform at the Tilles Center on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.