School bands across the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District performed in a Rock for Mental Health music festival on May 2. 

The fundraising concert raised over $7,000 for adolescent units at Northwell Health’s Zucker Hillside and South Oaks Hospitals to support teens admitted to the behavioral health inpatient units.  

“The show was all about the kids,” said David Prince, a districtwide math chair and faculty advisor for the Cougar Rock Band. “Giving our talented students a space to perform and raising money to support students with their mental health needs.”  

Groups from three high schools played on two stages in a festival-style atmosphere at John F. Kennedy High School. A band comprised of faculty members closed out the festival. 

"There aren't a ton of venues and clubs for students to perform like there were when we were kids, and from a musical perspective, this is a safe place to showcase all the talent we have that doesn't fit within the traditional school music experience," Prince added. 

The event’s main organizers included student Ben Roth and peers from the Cougar Rock Band. 

After performing at the school’s Talent Show in 2024, Roth and bandmates thought getting bands from across the district together to play for a good cause would be fun. 

“May is Mental Health Awareness month, so there was no better time to raise awareness for mental health causes,” Roth explained. “With Mr. Prince's support, we secured a date and got the green light to move forward with the event.” 

They partnered with bands and musical groups from Calhoun and Mepham High Schools, students from various school clubs, including S.A.D.D., and over 50 local businesses to fundraise for the event.  

“There was a committed group of students from the three high schools that worked together to plan this event,” he added. “The best part was that it benefited not only the charity but also allowed us to perform great music and gain leadership experience,” Roth said.