Alumni power: Choral composition featuring district students to premiere tonight
Esteemed alumnus and internationally recognized choral composer Rich Campbell works with Norwood Avenue Elementary School students in preparation for the world premiere of his original composition tonight at Northport High School. Image courtesy of the NENUFSD.
This evening, three Northport High School graduates – working alongside current students – will showcase the world premiere of an original choral composition rooted in district and community collaboration.
The piece was composed by Rich Campbell, a 1975 Northport High School graduate, who first connected with a district music educator through a choral teacher’s workshop in winter 2025. After working with fourth and fifth grade choruses during spring concerts, Campbell was commissioned by the district to create an original composition.
That composition premieres tonight, May 13, at 7pm at Northport High School. The event is hosted by the Northport-East Northport school district.
The unique project further developed through a partnership with poet Linda Trott Dickman, a 1970 Northport High School graduate and retired Norwood Avenue Elementary School librarian. The work is based on Dickman’s poem “Puzzle,” which explores themes of unity, empathy and shared human experience across diverse backgrounds.
Throughout the year, Campbell, Dickman and district music staff collaborated to adapt the poem into a choral work designed specifically for Northport-East Northport students.
The world premiere performance will feature the Norwood Avenue Elementary School fourth grade chorus, the Northport High School chorus and an alumni choir. Ellen McCarthy, also a 1975 Northport High School graduate, will serve as accompanist.
The event is open to the public.
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