Good News from our Music and Art Departments

By Scott J. Andrews, Psy.D.
Amityville Memorial High School Principal

We have received notification from NYSSMA that Meghan Brooks (Flute, 11th grade) has been selected to represent our district as a member of the 2010 All-State Symphonic Band at the NYSSMA All-State Conference in Rochester this December. We have also received notification that Cherrelle Crews (Percussion, 12th grade) has been selected as an alternate for the festival (Hopefully, we will hear good news shortly that she has been fully accepted into an ensemble as well).

Thousands of students auditioned for this honor last spring at NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festivals throughout the state. Students were chosen to participate based on their proficiency score achieved at the festival (both of these students received a perfect score of 100) and teacher recommendations.

Congratulations to Meghan, Cherrelle, their families, their present music teachers (Mr. Wishin and Mr. LaMarca), and their former K – 12 music teachers on this outstanding achievement!

We have also been notified that the artwork of Giselle Rivas will be on display in a state-wide student art exhibit during the New York State School Boards Association Conference in New York City this October. The exhibit, co-sponsored by NYSATA (New York State Art Teachers Association) and NYSSBA (New York State School Boards Association), is intended to highlight achievement in Visual Art across the state. The work on display demonstrates a high level of student ability on every grade level, in a spectacular range of mediums, techniques, and genres. Giselle’s work was also included last year in the “Best of Long Island” High School Exhibition at the Heckscher Art Museum in Huntington.

Congratulations to Giselle, her family, her current art teachers (Jayne Grasso and Nidia Keaveny), and all of her former K-12 art teachers on this wonderful achievement.

We have received notification from NYSCAME/ Suffolk (New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education) that Meghan Brooks (Flute, 11th grade) and Cherrelle Crews (Percussion, 12th grade) have been selected to represent our district as members of the 2010 NYSCAME All-County Symphonic Band in November. This festival selects the top 11th and 12th grade musicians from Suffolk County to perform in their Honor Ensembles. Selection for participation is extremely competitive and is based on NYSSMA Solo Assessment ratings and teacher recommendations.

Congratulations to Meghan, Cherrelle, their families, their present music teachers (Mr. Wishin and Mr. LaMarca), and their former K – 12 music teachers on this outstanding achievement!