Addison Trail orchestras to premiere new piece in honor of retiring Orchestra Director and school’s 50th anniversary

(Above and below) Pictured is Addison Trail Orchestra Director and Music Department Chair Dan O’Connell, who will retire at the end of the 2015-16 school year. In honor of O'Connell's retirement, as well as Addison Trail's upcoming 50th anniversary in 2016-17, the orchestras will premiere a piece entitled "Legacy" during O'Connell's final concert as the school's Orchestra Director on April 28.

On April 28, the Addison Trail orchestras will premiere a new piece in honor of Addison Trail Orchestra Director and Music Department Chair Dan O’Connell’s upcoming retirement at the end of the school year, as well as Addison Trail’s 50th anniversary (which will take place during the 2016-17 school year).

The piece, entitled "Legacy," is an orchestral fantasy based on the melody from the school’s new alma mater, "Hail to Thee,” which was debuted earlier this year. “Legacy” was composed by Robert Longfield and was commissioned by Addison Trail High School, the school’s Music Department and the Addison Trail Music Booster Club.

April 28 will be O’Connell’s final concert as Orchestra Director at Addison Trail, and he has dedicated more than 33 years to teaching in the Village of Addison. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m., and a reception will take place afterward in the Commons area.