HMADS Students Commemorate Genocide Through Musical Night

By Talar Aydin

OAKLAND GARDENS, N.Y.—On Mon., April 23, the students of the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS) gathered in Kalustyan Hall to showcase their talents to an enthusiastic audience of parents, grandparents, friends, and special guests of the Holy Martyrs Armenian community.

The fifth grade students marched into the hall as the HMADS Color Guards saluted the audience with the “Pledge of Allegiance,” followed by the singing of the American and Armenian anthems, as well as the school’s anthem. The Class of 2012 then took the stage and delivered their introduction to the energized audience. The sixth graders mentioned that the Talent Show was dedicated to the 97^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and was to honor our culture through music, poetry, song, and dance. The Class of 2012 introduced Principal Zarminé Boghosian to offer her welcoming remarks.

Boghosian thanked the parents and grandparents for their continuous support of the HMADS family, and acknowledged the presence of special guests in the audience, including Maestro Khoren Meikhanedjian, Parish Council Chairman Bruce Ashbahian, and HMADS Board Members Arek Nisanyan, Grace Kechian, Rose Hartunian, and Lolita Babikian. She pointed out that the Heritage Week exhibit was on display in the hall, contributed by each class, and encouraged the audience to view the students’ work at the conclusion of the program.

Each display highlighted the 45^th anniversary of the school, and shined with originality and creativity: The nursery students showed HMADS as the “Sunshine of Bayside”; the first graders wrote about “Why I Like HMADS”; the second grade created unique school-related word search puzzles; the third grade researched 45 facts about number 45; the fourth grade planted a tree in Armenia in honor of the school’s 45^th anniversary; the fifth grade interviewed seven representatives from the HMADS family; and the sixth grade students researched and wrote about the benefactors of the school, admiring their hard work and dedication. Boghosian concluded her remarks by reminding the students that it is their responsibility to “keep the torch of our heritage lit” and the Armenian culture strong.

Four kindergarten students kicked off the program by paying a tribute to Armenia in a dance entitled “Eem Anoonu Hayastan Eh.” Another student delivered a wonderful cello performance, followed by the Kindergarten students singing together as a group. Next up were the talented first, second, and third grade students, who played the piano and recited beautiful Armenian poetry, like “Arakadzin” by Avedik Isahagian. A third grade student treated the audience to a special Irish step dance. The three grades then came together on stage to sing about the beautiful “Gakavig,” and kept the audience in suspense while singing “Mugnigu” and “Im Pokrig Navag.”

The next group to perform was the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students, who wowed the audience with intermediate violin and piano pieces and a contemporary dance by a sixth grade student. This group also featured two solo singers from the fifth grade. Following the final poem “Yerevan” by Sarmen, the upper grades performed a medley of “Ambi Dagits” and “Hampartsoom Yayla” and “Parootyan Dsar,” directed by HMADS Choir Master Anahid Boghossian.

The HMADS Choir ended the program by singing a special song called “Pyoonig,” whose lyrics and music were written by Berge Turabian. Translated, pyoonig is a phoenix, and the song describes the relationship between a phoenix and the Armenian people—burned and damaged, but never destroyed, thanks to our unwavering strength, courage, faith, and culture. This was the premier performance of the song. What a treat for the HMADS family!

At the conclusion of the program, Boghosian thanked the faculty and staff for all their help in putting the event together. She also thanked the piano teachers, violin teachers, and accompanists for helping the students accomplish their great musical achievements. Applause filled the hall as parents, grandparents, teachers, board members, and guests showed their appreciation for our talented children.

Another school year is soon drawing to a close. Mark your calendars for June 8 (nursery and kindergarten graduation) and June 15 (30^th commencement exercises for the sixth grade).