Stephen Jung, David Rubin, and
Joseph Cotignola Jr.
A play on words from possibly George Gershwin’s most iconic composition (Rhapsody in Blue) and Smithtown High School West’s signature shade of dark blue, Rhapsody in Smithtown Blue owes itself to the charity of a then-student, Emily Doveala.
Rhapsody in Blue is an annual ‘pops concert’ featuring the work of student musicians. All the proceeds go to charities selected by the event’s sponsor, Smithtown High School West’s Tri-M Chapter #1338 (the music honor society).
When asked if she thought the idea was going to continue on this long, now-Dr. Doveala, a cellist and professor teaching at the College of Southern Maryland, did not envision it as a yearly fundraiser.
“It was just for a Hurricane Sandy fundraiser,” said Doveala, whose cohort donated the proceeds to the American Red Cross.
Club advisor Joseph Cotignola Jr. routinely recites the lore of the Rhapsody foundation to students and concert participants prior to the concert, albeit with more credit towards Doveala than she gives herself.
She also added that she “just really wanted to play some pop songs with my friends from Tri-M.”
To this day, the concert stays true to its roots, with an assortment of instruments playing popular songs in a student-run venue. Chamber Orchestra trades Bach for Swift, and students break out their garage band amplifiers to grace the stage with an array of music you’d have to hear to believe.
“I was very excited to hear about it,” said Doveala upon learning the concert continued this year and raised nearly $3,000 – its largest total yet.
Doveala attributes the continued success of the concert to the acumen of the music program as well as “a testament to Joseph Cotignola.”
“The Rhapsody in Smithtown Blue Concert is one of the highlights of the year,” stated Cotignola. “I am always amazed at the incredible talent of all the student performers. This concert has raised thousands of dollars for various charities throughout the country. It is our pleasure to support the Friends of Music of Smithtown and the Gregg W. Sill Foundation with the proceeds from this year’s concert.”
Tri-M Chapter #1338 President Stephen Jung, who emceed the concert along with Vice President David Rubin, Secretary Anabelle Kreitzman, and Treasurer Katie Greening, was overjoyed by the turnout and amount fundraised.
“This year’s Rhapsody in Smithtown Blue Benefits Concert was our most successful yet, with our total earnings from ticket sales, concessions, and raffle coming to well over $2500!” said Jung. “While we may have run out of programs, we most definitely did not run out of spirit as our musicians performed pieces ranging from ‘My Way’ to ‘Viva La Vida’ to Rush E!’”
He added that it “was so fortunate to have such a great program and audience to showcase the talents of its musicians while also working to raise money for a great cause.”
“Thanks to the officers, stage crew, and everyone else who made this night a possibility!”
The $3,000 raised will be split between The Greg W. Sill Foundation and the Friends of Music of Smithtown.
The Greg W. Sill Foundation, named after the late High School West social studies teacher, celebrates and supports passionate students who spark positivity and lead lives of goodwill toward others. The
Friends of Music of Smithtown is a community of parents, educators, administrators, students and alumni who are committed to supporting and advocating for music education in the Smithtown School District. Cotignola thanked the Friends of Music of Smithtown, represented by Maria Sheuring, for all the work they do to promote music education in the district.
