In the midst of a Long Island district that struggles with poverty and a poor graduation rate, the Concert Choir at Central Islip High gives voice to the transformational power of music.

The gifted young men and women wowed NYSUT's annual convention last month, singing everything from the uplifting harmony of the "Lord of the Dance" to the soulful spiritual "Ezekiel Saw De Wheel." Many in the audience were moved to tears. Delegates spontaneously passed the hat and raised more than $6,500 toward the group's summer trip to perform in Italy, including the Vatican.

But perhaps the biggest applause came after NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi, who spent 34 years as a teacher in Central Islip, added that last year every one of the choir's graduating seniors went on to college. This year's seniors expect to repeat that amazing feat.

"Now that's music to all our ears," Iannuzzi said, to a standing ovation from the crowd. The graduation rate at Central Islip is less than 62 percent.

Students in the 70-member ensemble attributed their success to music teacher John Anthony, an energetic leader who cares, pushes them and demands that they do their school work and keep out of trouble if they want to stay in choir. Choir members thrive on long hours and strict structure, complete with military turns as they entered and exited the concert hall.

High expectations pay off: the group was the only Long Island high school choir selected to perform at Disney Honors in 2005 and 2007. In 2006, they represented New York at a music festival commemorating the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth in Austria. While in Europe, the group also performed in Prague and Vienna.

This summer, the group will travel to Italy to take part in the American Celebration of Music, with performances in Venice, Milan, Rome and the Vatican. Outside the high school, a replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa marks their progress through the year in raising some $180,000 for this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

"You know what people say about this town," Anthony said. "You've got to prove them wrong."

Returning to school

Anthony, a member of the Central Islip Teachers Association, offers students his own life story as an example of chasing your dreams even when the odds seem against you. He left two college music programs without graduating and worked 11 years as a cruise director for a yacht company offering Manhattan sightseeing tours. In 1997, he had an epiphany, realizing he couldn't do the cruise job the rest of his life.

In his mid 30s, Anthony returned to Queens College, overcoming the embarrassment of his advanced age.

His hero was his own choirmaster at Calhoun High in Merrick, S. Talbot Thayer, long retired after 25 years as a legendary high-level choral director.

After earning his teaching degree, Anthony interviewed at a few Long Island schools. At some, he was told he'd have to use pop music or incorporate dancing to engage teens; at others, he was urged to start his music teaching career with elementary students. Six years ago, Central Islip gave him the chance to live out his dream of creating an ensemble based on high expectations.

"If you want to entice the kids, they have to be able to connect to the music," Anthony said. "We've proven that no matter what the background of kids, good music will win the day."

About half of Central Islip's students are Hispanic, one-third are African-American and fewer than 12 percent are white. Parents often can't afford the private voice lessons students in more affluent districts receive. Anthony works with students during free periods and after school.

Academic success is a constant refrain. "I'm always talking about their futures," he said. "We go to all these great places and the subtext always is, your key to this life is a good education."

As Anthony was inspired by his choir director, one former student now wants to follow in Anthony's footsteps. Jerrell Perry, a Syracuse University sophomore, told Newsday he wants to change lives like Anthony did.

Before joining the choir, Perry said, "I was a completely different person," running with a troubled crowd and getting suspended. Anthony, he said, "changed everything ... He showed me how to express my feelings through music."

Although the group is about halfway to the goal, fund-raising efforts continue. On May 31, a Family Fun Day will be held at a community church, complete with potato sack races, a car wash and — of course — music.

To make a donation, visit centralislipmusic.com or send a check to CIHS Concert Choir, 85 Wheeler Road, Central Islip, N.Y. 11722. To hear their music, go to www.youtube.com/janthony37.

— Sylvia Saunders