Undoubtedly one of the greatest musicians Lynbrook has ever seen, Eric Reilly is no stranger to the spotlight. The self-proclaimed “Swiss Army Knife” has performed in venues across the world, ranging from Lynbrook High School’s room 324 to the illustrious Budapest Conservatory. Reilly’s passion for creating music, along with the continued support of his mentors and peers, has allowed him to reach the highest level of musicianship.
Since a young age, Reilly has always had a knack for creating music. “Violin was the first instrument I ever played, beginning in second grade. I started playing oboe in third grade and picked up the English horn alongside it about two years later,” he explained. Additionally, Reilly plays the baritone saxophone for LHS’s very own Jazz Band, and he dabbles in the trombone and guitar recreationally. While learning an instrument may be seen by some as a chore or a requirement, Reilly preached the importance of enjoying one’s musical journey: “Many young musicians quit early because they are forced to play music they don’t like and aren’t able to find enjoyment in what they are learning. While it does take practice and hard work, learning an instrument should be an enjoyable experience, especially when you are surrounded by friends.”
One instrument, however, holds a special place in Reilly’s heart: oboe. He noted, “Oboe is definitely my favorite. It has brought me a ton of amazing opportunities to play with other very talented high school groups, in professional ensembles, and at some of the best performance halls in the world.”
During the earliest steps to mastering the oboe, Reilly crossed paths with current LHS band director Zachary Rifkind. While their relationship has always been that of a teacher and a student, the respect between the two is mutual. “I have had the pleasure of knowing Eric and his talents since he was entering the fourth grade,” recalled Rifkind. “He attended the camp I work at and that summer was studying oboe.” Now, the two have been reunited nearly eight years later, and there seems to be no chemistry lost between them. When asked how Reilly has aided his transition from Lynbrook South Middle School to the differing environment at LHS, Rifkind showed gratitude: “Eric has rolled out the red carpet for me this year…he has given valuable input into selecting music for the Wind Ensemble, and has given me an informed look into the goings on of the music department at LHS.”
Rifkind deeply recognizes Reilly’s talent and potential. During the time between middle school and high school, Rifkind was astonished by Reilly’s development. “He has grown in every way musically possible and is now at the highest level of achievement…Eric is well-spoken, kind, intelligent, and motivated. I have gotten to know him well this year and admire all of these strong, positive qualities in him,” said Rifkind.
As one of the most multifaceted musicians LHS have ever seen, Reilly has left a resounding impact on the Lynbrook music department. During his junior year, he created the club “Students Gifting Music”, which holds benefit concerts at nursing homes, coffee houses, and has even started a new tradition: “Holiday Cabaret Night.” Rifkind, who has been a catalyst to several of Reilly’s endeavors, praised “the depth and breadth of his talents and dedication.” Reilly attributes his ability to take initiative to various members of the LHS music department: “Brian White, Jason Melecio, Veronica Underhill, and Zachary Rifkind have all helped me become a leader in the music department, supporting me through all my years as a student musician.”
One aspect of music that is often overlooked is the bonds that are formed by members of an ensemble. Junior Eric Matern has been playing music alongside his namesake since eighth grade and has shown nothing but gratitude when asked about his experience playing alongside Reilly. Matern said, “Other than growing as a musician in terms of getting better at his instruments, he has also grown as a leader in working with other people and becoming more confident in what he does.” Matern has had several incredible performances across many venues with Reilly, but he recalled their performance this past March at Madison Theater and said, “[It was] a super fun performance, and I think it has been my favorite time performing with him.”
Reilly has also had the opportunity to connect with talented musicians outside of LHS through several prestigious programs. One of his favorite and most surreal concert experiences was his performance at the illustrious Carnagie Hall. “[The concert] was almost three hours long, and we played alongside a world-renowned solo violinist to a sold-out crowd,” he reminisced. Most notably, however, his time with the Long Island Youth Orchestra (LIYO) has reaped incredible benefits, including his personal favorite performance to date. After a mesmerizing experience of touring central Europe, Reilly and members of LIYO were given the opportunity to perform at the Budapest Conservatory. Reilly recalled, “The hall had amazing acoustics and was sold out with standing room. Throughout the concert, the audience was the most engaged I have ever seen out of a crowd, and we received multiple standing ovations over the course of the three-plus hour long concert.”
This fall, Reilly will be taking his musical and academic prowess to Yale University, where he plans to study chemistry and music. Reilly will be playing both the oboe and English horn as part of earning his bachelor of arts and a master’s degree. While their time together may have been short, Rifkind says watching Reilly graduate will be bittersweet. “On the one hand, I am so proud of him and know that the larger world is going to be a better place because of his contributions, but on the other hand, it is hard for me to part ways with him so soon. We have formed a great connection, and I am sad that our time together is coming to an end,” Rifkind said. Matern shared Rifkind’s emotion and faith in Reilly, as he urged him to “…stay confident and to never forget how good he is. In whatever he decides to do, make sure music is at least a small part of it, and he should never stop playing.”
