MARION — Old Rochester Regional School District alumni and faculty stepped into the spotlight at the inaugural Old Rochester Music Hall of Fame ceremony on Saturday, May 17.

“We wanted to recognize the talented musicians that have graduated from Old Rochester,” said Chrystal Walsh, president of the Friends of Old Rochester Music. “Where the Athletic Hall of Fame often recognizes students for their athletic contributions during high school, the Music Hall of Fame is really focused on what our students do after graduating.”

Eight inductees were honored at the event, including music therapist Rosemary Williams, French horn player and educator Orlando Pandolfi, saxophonist Marcus Monteiro, singer-songwriter Rebecca Correia, music educator Hannah Clark Moore, music educator Stan Ellis, drummer Wayne Ferreira and a posthumous recognition of multi-instrumentalist Daniel Lomba, Jr.

With over 40 nominations submitted, the inaugural inductee group was eventually narrowed down to a group of eight musicians and music educators who taught or graduated from Old Rochester schools.

Some of the inductees gave live performances at the ceremony, including Correia, who sang an original song titled “Breathe” while playing piano, Ferreira, who played a cover of Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” on the drums with Old Rochester sophomores Kennedy McKay and Lincoln Fauteux accompanying on vocals and guitar, and Pandolfi, who performed “Senor Mouse” by Chick Corea and Gary Burton with pianist Kay Zou.

Taylor Lomba, son of inductee Daniel Lomba, Jr., gave a dance performance to honor his father’s work in music.

“Music is a way of life and has opened doors for me, and it’s been a wild ride,” Correia said as she accepted her induction plaque.

Moore has taught music in the Old Rochester district since 1993. In her speech, she expressed that her “biggest excitement in life” has been helping tri-town students learn about music.

“When you find the right place for yourself, going to work every day is a joy,” she said.

Walsh looks forward to finally seeing the musical history of Old Rochester preserved in the same regard as the district’s athletic history.

“[We’re] really excited for the music hall to be showcasing generations of musical talents that have come out of the public high school,” she said.