Fine and Performing Arts News
Tri-M Induction Ceremony
Bellport High School recently inducted 34 student-musicians in grades 10, 11 and 12 into its Tri-M Music Honor Society chapter.
To earn the honor, the students were required to participate in their
school’s chamber concerts, perform at the 2021 and 2022 New York State
School Music Association Solo Evaluation Festival, have strong music
teacher recommendations and volunteer at district music performances.
The South Country School District congratulates the following Tri-M
members: Luke Allan, Keira Ballan, Madeline Budris, Emma Butler, Hannah
Carlson, Ryann Christie, Sara Cornacchiulo, Samantha DeLillo, Karyn
Devine, Skye Dodge, Francis Felice, Elisha Feliz, Violet Gordon, Olivia
Horn, Liany Kasten, Emma Kuegel, Rachel Li, Sydney Macioce, Taylor
Macioce, Leonardo Mignola, Michael Nesi, Kennedy Parris, Rachel Petri,
Rianna Raghunandan, Emily Robbins, Benjamin Santiago, Kaelyn Schmidt,
Ryan Schneider, William Schuessler, Leah Silvestre, Joseph Starpoli,
Ella Steckle, Jordan Truce and Grace Zimlinghaus.
A Latin Performance to Remember
Bellport High School music students participated in a unique Zoom presentation with the Crane Latin Ensemble on Oct. 1.
The event, which was coordinated by district Music Chairperson Victoria Hartman, was held in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. It featured live musical performances of “Oye Como Va” and “Para Todo El Mundo Rumba,” as well as a hands-on rhythm instrument lesson and a question-and-answer period.
Making the presentation even more special was the opportunity for Bellport music students to hear from two 2019 Bellport graduates who are members of the Crane Latin Ensemble. Tyler Zapata (trumpet) and Andrew Zimlinghaus (alto saxophone) have been performing with the group after auditioning while attending SUNY Potsdam.
The Crane Latin Ensemble is based at SUNY Potsdam under the direction of Dr. Peter McCoy. According to the university’s website, they have toured in Cuba, Mexico and Canada and are dedicated to promoting Latin American dance music, specializing in Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican traditional musical styles. The ensemble collaborates with traditional artists, such as former members of the Tito Puente Orchestra, and Los Naranjos, the oldest continuously functioning Son group in Cuba, as well as contemporary artists such as Chris Washburn.
Bellport High School Students Exhibit at Parrish Art Museum
Bellport High School’s top student-artists were selected to exhibit their artwork at the Parrish Art Museum’s 2021 Student Exhibition, held virtually in April.
This prestigious show exhibits work amongst students from East End townships in various mediums including computer graphics, photography, sculpture, drawing and painting. Those students selected to display their work demonstrated creativity, enthusiasm and technical skill in diverse media including painting, sculpture, drawing and photography.
Dream Smith (painting), Cameron Kerr-Smith (graphic design/digital media) and Ana Iniguez Lojano (drawing) were selected as Senior Honorees. Additionally, Alexia Benjamin, Sara Cornacchiulo and Leonardo Mignola garnered the coveted Ones to Watch award.
The community can view the artwork of these talented students by logging onto https://parrishart.org/exhibitions/2021-student-exhibition/.
South Country Central School District’s Music Program Receives National Recognition
For the eighth consecutive year, the South Country Central School District has been designated by the NAMM Foundation as one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education for its outstanding commitment to music education and for demonstrating outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and advances active participation in music. To qualify for the Best Communities for Music Education designation, the district answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“The music program here at South Country has continued to provide students with a well-rounded education from kindergarten to the 12th grade,” said District Music Chairperson Victoria Hartman. “This award recognizes the commitment our teachers, administration and community make toward a child's educational, cognitive, emotional and social skill development by way of a strong music education program.”
Ms. Hartman explained that during the pandemic, school districts like South Country have re-committed to their already stellar music education programs, which provide valuable ways to keep students engaged. Bellport High School junior and vocalist Emma Butler described the importance of music in her life.
“Music is important to me because it provides me with an outlet to express myself throughout the school day,” Emma noted.
Bellport High School Principal Timothy Hogan expressed his deep pride in the district’s music program. “Even during these turbulent times, our teachers have provided a supportive and meaningful experience for our students,” Mr. Hogan said. “I look forward to a return in normalcy in the years ahead but am thankful for the opportunities and experiences provided to our students in the interim.”
Bellport HS Hosts First Live-Streamed Concert of the 2020-2021 School Year
The resonating sounds of instruments and voices in South Country’s school auditoriums were required to pause during the 2020-2021 school year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, students and faculty have become more creative in their broadcasting of live music for the community. On March 8, Bellport High School Tri-M Music Honor Society members and All-State musicians hosted their first live-streamed concert on Zoom, allowing participants to showcase their talents from home.
District Music Chairperson Victoria Hartman thanked the community for the great turnout, which marked one full year to date from the high school’s last live concert in 2020.
“The students and their teachers have worked so hard preparing these solos despite all of the challenges in their way this year,” Ms. Hartman said.
Soloists included the following:
Violet Gordon – violin – “Concerto no. 4 in D major”
Keira Ballan – voice – “Et Exultavit”
Emma Butler – voice – “O del mio dolce ardor”
Hannah Carlson – violin – “Concerto no. 4 in D Major”
Liany Kasten – voice – “Se tu m'ami, se sospiri”
Tamara Ortiz Macas – flute – “Sonata V” and piccolo – “Damare”
Sydney Macioce – flute – “Sonata VI” (in E major)
Michael Marziliano – voice – “Finishing the Hat”
Leah Silvestre – viola – “Concerto in D Major”
The Show Must Go On!
Concert music in the district’s auditoriums may have been silenced this fall, but the COVID-19 pandemic was no match for music teachers who virtually shared videos, performance recordings and classroom projects with parents and the community during a virtual music showcase.
“The show must go on,” District Music Chairperson Victoria Hartman said. “By creating a Google classroom, parents and members of the community could listen to and view all of the wonderful music being made in our buildings.”
There were group and individual performances, as well as student artwork, which showcased the acquired skills of the district’s talented students. Ms. Hartman said the showcase was a huge success and that there are plans for a similar showcase this spring.
Marbleized Mask Art for a Cause
Masks have become the ultimate fashion statement during the Covid-19 pandemic. Bellport High School Art Club members, under the direction of adviser Lisa Conk, decided to make the latest fashion accessory in order to benefit the community.
Prior to the start of the holiday season, the students utilized the painting technique of marbling to create distinctive face masks. In aluminum trays, the student-artists chose distinctive paint colors to create aqueous surface designs and to produce patterns similar in appearance to marble or various types of stone. They then dipped the white fabric masks in the solution to create fashionable designs.
Ms. Conk said that the masks were being sold to benefit various community organizations. The art club hopes to replenish their art supplies so that they can continue to design and sell face masks this coming spring.
Top Notes for Bellport High School Student-Musicians
Bellport High School student-musicians Jack Burkhardt (Bb clarinet) and Taylor Kelly (French horn) were selected to participate in the New York State School Music Association Virtual All-State Festival for symphonic band, being held virtually on Dec. 3-5. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, NYSSMA will not be able to host these students to rehearse and perform at the Winter Conference in Rochester at the renowned Eastman Theater of the Eastman School of Music.
The duo was nominated and selected based on scores they received at the NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival during the 2018-2019 school year. Director of Music Victoria Hartman explained that being selected is a remarkable achievement in that 6,500 students statewide auditioned for a position in the All-State Music Festival. Performing ensembles include the All-State symphonic band, wind ensemble, mixed chorus, treble choir, symphony orchestra, and instrumental and vocal jazz ensemble. Fifteen Bellport High School students auditioned for All-State in the spring 2018.
The District congratulates Jack and Taylor on this outstanding achievement and extends best wishes for success during the NYSSMA Virtual All-State Festival.
Bellport High School Artists Garner Top Art Honors
The District is pleased to announce that the Long Island Arts Alliance selected Bellport High School senior Anna Mezzatesta as one of 20 Long Island Scholar Artists for the 2020-21 school year. Under the direction of former teacher and art department chairperson Suzette Fandale, Anna was recognized for her excellence in media arts and for academic achievement. Additionally, senior Caitlin Saliba was one of 20 recipients who received an Award of Merit for portfolio work completed under the direction of teacher Devin Auricchio.
To be considered for these prestigious designations, students must be nominated by their school for representing the highest level of artistic talent in media arts, visual arts, music, dance or theater. The student must also submit a portfolio of their work for consideration by the selection committee and must hold an unweighted grade point average of 90% or above. As a scholar-artist, Anna’s profile and photo will be published in Newsday in December.
The District congratulates both Anna and Caitlin and extends best wishes for success with their future artistic interests.
Bellport HS Thespian Wins Coveted Teeny Award
Bellport High School’s theatre art program is pleased to announce that student-thespian Jack Burkhardt was the recipient of a coveted 2020 Teeny Award for his supporting male role as Lumiere in the school’s musical “Beauty and the Beast.” The award was presented during a virtual awards ceremony, held by East End Arts on July 23.
“This is a terrific accomplishment,” Art Department Chairperson Barbara Gallagher said. “Jack is an extremely talented actor and the District congratulates him on this special achievement.”
Each year, Bellport High School is one of 18 school theater programs whose productions are celebrated by the East End Arts for student talent and excellence in acting, production, pit orchestra, stage management, lighting design and crew and more. This year, the theatre program received 36 nominations for its productions of “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Game’s Afoot.”
District Thespians Nominated for 36 Teeny Awards
Bellport High School is proud to announce that its Theatre Program has received 36 nominations for 2020 Teeny Awards for its productions of “Beauty and The Beast” and “The Game’s Afoot.” Bellport High School is one of 18 high schools whose theatre productions are celebrated annually by East End Arts for student talent and excellence in acting, production, pit orchestra, stage management, lighting design and crew and more. Winners will be announced on Thursday, July 23, during a virtual format.
The District congratulates the following individuals for receiving Teeny Award nominations.
Play and Musical:
Michael Marziliano as William Gillette – Lead Male in a Play in “The Game's Afoot”
AutumnMargaret Walthers as Daria Chase – Lead Female in a Play in “The Game's Afoot”
Michael Marziliano as the Beast – Lead Male in a Musical in “Beauty and the Beast”
Jack Burkhardt as Lumiere – Supporting Male in a Musical in “Beauty and the Beast”
Troy Sica as Cogsworth – Supporting Male in a Musical in “Beauty and the Beast”
Emma Butler as Mrs. Potts – Supporting Female in a Musical in “Beauty and the Beast”
Technical:
Jasmine Armann – stage manager – “Beauty and the Beast”
Juliana Lewkowski – stage manager - “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays” and “Beauty and the Beast”
Vivienne Love – lighting – “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays” and “Beauty and the Beast”
Kieran Sawyer – lighting – “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays” and “Beauty and the Beast”
Ryan Wilson – sound – “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays” and “Beauty and the Beast”
Troy Sica – assistant director – “Beauty and the Beast”
Pit Orchestra:
David Bellante (percussion), Bella Caypinar (violin), Kayzjah Charles (bass), Mariah Chavez (violin), Ryann Christie (clarinet), Sara Cornacchiulo (flute), Sebastian DeRosa (violin), Vivian Fritz (harp), Isabella Gascon (violin), Emily Gentzel (violin), Violet Gordon (violin), Taylor Kelly (oboe), Daniela Mondi (cello), Victoria Monte (cello), Timmy Montick (trumpet), Liam Murphy (French horn), Anthony Notartomaso (baritone/euphonium), Tamara Ortiz Macas (flute), Rianna Raghunandan (violin), Ella Rauch (cello), Aidan Sawyer (French horn), Kat Vignona (trumpet), Emily Zahralban (violin) and Grace Zimlinghaus (French horn)
Bellport Middle School Tri-M Inducts 75
Bellport Middle School’s music department inducted 75 seventh and eighth grade student-musicians into the prestigious Tri-M Music Honor Society during a virtually held celebration. Adviser Victoria Hartman described the inductees as “leaders in the music department” and the “best of the best that middle school has to offer.”
“The music teachers miss making music with you every day,” Ms. Hartman said, “and can’t wait to see you in the classroom this fall.”
Principal Dr. Jamal Colson noted that the students’ success has been a collaborative effort and that “success doesn’t happen alone.” He also explained that the honor society induction fulfills the “achievement” in the school’s three tenets of “Attendance, Attitude and Achievement.”
Eighth grade officers Loisa Gordon (president), Evan Dedis (vice president), Rachel Petri (secretary and adviser’s assistant) and Michael Nesi (treasurer) then explained that the pillars of the Tri-M Music Honor Society are scholarship, character, leadership and service. They also noted that being a Tri-M Music Honor Society member increases opportunities for music students to serve their school and assist students who want to better serve the music department.
Each of the inductees’ photos were then flashed onto the screen commemorating their involvement in orchestra, band and chorus and listing their instruments. The video can be viewed by clicking the following link:
https://youtu.be/RRZH2WJpibM.
The district congratulates the following students on this outstanding academic achievement:
Grade 7: Alexa Allan – Band (alto sax); Katherine Alayon – orchestra (violin); Brynne Ballan – chorus (soprano); Angely Banegas – orchestra (violin); Sade Carpenter-Schatzman – orchestra (violin); Christopher Chaves – band (trumpet); Nolan Comerford – band (tenor sax); Rosario Curcio – band (French horn); Maya Dixit – band (French horn); Kenya Escobar – orchestra (cello); Sean Glynn – band (Bb clarinet); Malena Gomez – band (flute); Kevin Gonzalez – orchestra (viola); Connor Gronenthal – band (trumpet); Molly Hough – orchestra (violin); Melina Kasten – orchestra (violin); Danika Leidig – band (Bb clarinet); Anay Maldonado – orchestra (violin); Catherine Masem – band (flute); Sarah Meininger – band (Bb clarinet); Derek Minden – band (trumpet); Macy Neider – orchestra (violin); Riley Neider – band (flute); Tahir Palmer – orchestra (string bass); Natalie Grace Ponter – orchestra (violin); Brenna Porter – band (piccolo and flute); Kaitlyn Schuessler – band (percussion); Lila Schultz – orchestra (viola); Lily Seif – orchestra (cello); Ryan Seubert – orchestra (violin) and Diana Telese – chorus (alto).
Grade 8: Pietro Ancona Jr. – Band (trumpet); Maddy Budris – orchestra (violin); Claire Cannella – orchestra (violin); Shaniah Chavez – orchestra (viola); Kailyn Ciavatta – band (trumpet);
Juliette Cuccurese – orchestra (cello); Evan Dedis – band (alto sax); Samantha DeLillo – band (Bb clarinet and tenor sax); Karyn Devine – chorus (soprano); Nathan Ernst – band (percussion and bass guitar); Erin Fagan – orchestra (viola); Frankie Felice – band (French horn); Christopher Ford – band (French horn); Giulia Gannon – orchestra (violin); Louisa Gordon – orchestra (cello); Stephanie Grosso – orchestra (violin); Dylan Horn – band (percussion); Brynn Johnsen – band (French horn); Dylan Knakal – orchestra (viola); Julia Kotasek – orchestra (violin); Emma Kuegel – orchestra and band (violin and oboe); Lauren La Grega – orchestra (violin); Taylor Macioce – chorus (soprano); Diana Malchiodi – orchestra (cello); Ryan Manitta – band (trumpet);
Eirini Michaels Hrysanthopoulos – orchestra (viola); Gael Michel – orchestra (violin);
Connor Murphy – orchestra (cello); Alana Negron – orchestra (violin); Michael Nesi – band (percussion); Leah Ofori – orchestra (viola); Rachel Petri – orchestra (violin); Jake Polito – band (trombone); Bryelle Reid – orchestra (violin); Faith Rubio – orchestra (cello); Caden Rupolo – band (trumpet); Anthony Santana – chorus (tenor); Benjamin Santiago – band (tuba); Kaelyn Schmidt – chorus (soprano); Joseph Starpoli – band (percussion); Ella Steckle – orchestra (violin); Grant Taylor – orchestra (cello); James Vohrer – band (percussion) and Connor Wilson – band (percussion).
Student-Artists Among Long Island’s Best
The artwork of Bellport High School student-artists Courtney Gerard, Patricia Prott and Tyler Walsh were selected from 388 submissions to exhibit at the Heckscher Museum’s Long Island’s Best Young Artists 2020 juried exhibit. Additionally, Courtney received the Costas Family Award for Excellence in Photography for her digital photograph, “Floating.” Tyler also received the Renzo and Lynette Bianchi Scholarship Award for his ink and watercolor work, “Euphoria.”
Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at the Heckscher Museum is the only juried exhibition on Long Island offering high school student-artists the opportunity to exhibit their work in a museum. As the museum marks its 100th anniversary this year, 100 works of art were selected for exhibit. Each year, students in grades 9-12 are invited to submit artwork inspired by art shown in the museum. For the first time in the museum’s history, an online format features all of the student artwork selected for exhibit, the students’ artist statements and the artwork that inspired the selectees.
The District congratulates the students on this outstanding artistic achievement.
South Country Named a Top Music Community
The NAMM Foundation has designated the District as one of the nation’s 2020 Best Communities for Music Education for its demonstration of exceptionally high commitment to music education and access to music instruction for all district students.
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants to advance active participation in music. The District music program was analyzed for funding, staffing of qualified teachers, commitment to standards and access to music instruction.
Music Chairperson James Uzzi said, “Because of support from central administration, the board of education and the community, the district has the resources to do what it takes to make the music program visible and one that serves all interested students.”
The District is proud of its music program, which offers a plethora of instruction in orchestra and band instruments, piano, chorus and music theory. Elementary instruction commences in prekindergarten and third grade students may join the chorus, followed by orchestra or band in fourth grade. A unique elementary offering is the bell program at Kreamer Street Elementary School, which was up and running this school year. As students reach the high school level, they have opportunities to perform with the freshman orchestra, string orchestra for grades 10-12, or to audition for membership in the concert orchestra. There is also a high school wind ensemble and symphonic band for students who play band instruments, as well as membership in the school’s mixed chorus. Piano I and II is offered, as well as Music Theory I and Advanced Placement Music Theory for those planning on continuing their education in music on the college level.
The District’s various ensembles also compete in the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association All-County festival, the Long Island String Festival Association festival, and the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education All-County festival. Opportunities to perform and compete also include the New York State School Music Association’s Ensemble and Solo and Majors Organization festivals. The District’s most talented student-musicians also apply to participate in NYSSMA’s All-State festival.
Student Musicians Attend Honor Band Symposium
Bellport High School student-musicians Jack Burkhardt (clarinet), Taylor Kelly (horn) and Anthony Notartomaso (euphonium) were selected to represent the District at the 2020 New York State Band Directors Association High School Honor Band Symposium, held in Liverpool, on March 6-8.
The student-musicians were selected based on their previous year’s New York State School Music Association scores and teacher recommendations. Each year, NYSBDA selects the top musicians from across the state to rehearse with one of the nation’s most respected conductors, followed by a concert on the final day of the symposium. This year’s concert was conducted by SUNY Fredonia professor of Music and Director of Bands Dr. Paula Holcomb.
Band Director Bradley Hartman said, “We are extremely proud of Bellport High School’s first group of students to be nominated for this prestigious ensemble. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students.”
Bellport HS Artists Make an Impact Through Participation in the Memory Project
The Bellport High School art department believes that art has the power to change lives and impact others. With this in mind, 23 student-artists enrolled in Drawing & Painting II and members of the National Art Honor Society partnered with The Memory Project, a nonprofit organization that invites art teachers and their students to create portraits for youth around the globe who have faced substantial life challenges.
Through collaboration with The Memory Project, the students created portraits of a group of children living in Nigeria. The portraits will serve as a piece of personal heritage and history for the Nigerian art subjects, many of whom are orphaned and living in refugee camps.
In creating the colorful portraits, the students-artists utilized a range of media including graphite, colored pencil, watercolor, marker and paint to create unique pieces of art based on a digital photo they received. The finished portraits are being delivered to the Nigerian children and the students are looking forward to receiving a video of the Nigerian children when they see their portraits for the first time.
National Art Honor Society adviser and teacher Devin Auricchio said the students truly enjoyed painting the portraits. “They found it creatively challenging but also very meaningful to create artwork that could possibly impact the life of someone they have never met,” Ms. Auricchio said.
The art department would like to congratulate the following The Memory Project participants: Taliyah Barnes, Alexia Benjamin, Evan Bland, Trinity Brown, Kerri Campbell, Eva Colon, Alex Deiters, Elisha Feliz, Seraya Freeman, Anjalece Garcia, Mathew Guerrero, Haley Herrmann, Cameron Kerr-Smith, Jillian Kerr-Smith, Miranda Laney, Sanaa Lindsay, Silvia Noguez-Lopez, Giana Porter, Madelyn Reyes, Caitlin Saliba, Maria Slavnova, Dream Smith and Tyler Walsh.
Click here to watch the video
Bellport HS presents ‘Beauty and the Beast’
Fans of Disney’s iconic romance “Beauty and the Beast” flocked to Ebersole Auditorium on February 7-8. Under Director Suzette Emma-Fandale and producer Barbara Gallagher, the 43-member cast entertained the audience with three performances, including a Saturday afternoon character brunch hosted by the production’s characters on February 8.
Autumn Margaret Walthers played the female lead as Belle, with Michael Marziliano as the Beast. Aidan Gaynor narrated the production, while Jack Frankie (Maurice), Kevin Munson (Gaston) and Joey Salerno (LeFou) played the supporting male roles. Silly Girls Maya Krulder, Rachael La Grega and Cassidy Solina provided comic relief throughout the play as they swooned over Gaston in hopes of gaining his attention. Unforgettable were the roles of Lumiere (Jack Burkhardt), Cogsworth (Troy Sica), Mrs. Potts (Emma Butler), Babette (Keira Ballan), Madame de la Grande Bouche (Kennedy Parris), Chip (Carley Simms), Old Beggar Woman/Enchantress (Alexa Ferrara) and Monsieur D’Arque (Aidan Gaynor).
In addition to stunning costumes and a show-stopping set, the audience thoroughly enjoyed the production’s most popular tunes from the original Broadway production and movie including “Be Our Guest,” “Tale as Old as Time,” and “Gaston.” A special thank you was extended to choreographer Stephanie Verticcio, vocal director Henry Finnegan and pit conductor James Uzzi whose efforts made the show a success.
In a statement included in the program, Ms. Fandale and Mr. Uzzi said, “The theater program at Bellport High School has been built over the past 25 years with the commitment, devotion, respect and love from our team. We have had the amazing opportunity to work alongside a group of amazingly talented professionals who hold the highest expectations for themselves and our students. With success as the only option, we have together created and presented truly amazing productions for our community.”
Art Gallery Commendations
The artistic talents of 51 individual student-artists and group work by Verne W. Critz Elementary School first graders were commended during the district’s second annual Art Gallery Reception, held on Oct. 23 at Central Office headquarters. The students’ artwork is part of an ongoing art gallery, which will be exhibited throughout the 2019-2020 school year.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani told parents and faculty in attendance that “This is a new tradition, and we are excited and pleased to walk down the hallway at Central Office and see this wonderful children’s artwork.”
Each student received a certificate, and refreshments provided by the art department were served.
The district congratulates the following students: Bellport High School: Roselida Albarran, Edwin Alfaro, Audrey Barry, Tatianna Davis, Josselyn Fuentes, Sarai Garcia, Courtney Gerard, Violet Gordon, Haley Herrmann, Abigail Horn, Tiara Jones Hanna Lupo, Robert Menendez, Jake Mulle, Yeak Kay Phong, Samantha Porsche, Madelyn Reyes, Sabrina Rodriguez, Caitlin Saliba, Dream Smith, Seryna Waldron-Walker and Jaelyn Zapata; Bellport Middle School: Karyn Devine, Louisa Gordon, Julia Kotasek, Scarlett Maldonado, Alana Negron, Leah Ofori, Megan Wilkinson, Katherine Yanza and Mirka Zapata; Frank P. Long Intermediate School: Jack Fauci and Joshua Terry; Kreamer Street Elementary: Adrianna Fudge, Mason Kern, Sophia Fuentes Rios and Adeline Wiley; Brookhaven Elementary: Isay Gonzalez Bonilla, Shianelle Dilan, Samantha Velasquez-Garcia, Jayden Giuseffi, Iniya Holland, Brody Kandler, Antonio Michielli and Ashly Angelina Muy; Verne W. Critz Elementary: Christopher Behnke, Lineth Rivas Gamero, Joseph Figueroa Oliva, Sofia Perez, Lola Provenzano, Dylan Sarmiento Quiroga and Group Work by First Grade Students.
Bellport High School Presents ‘The Game’s Afoot’
The talented cast and crew of Ken Ludwig’s “The Game’s Afoot” drew a full house to Bellport High School’s Ebersole Auditorium on Nov. 1-2.
Under the direction of Susan Hartmann and producer Barbara Gallagher, the nine-member cast amused the audience with this witty whodunit murder mystery. At Christmastime in 1936, Broadway star William Gillette (Michael Marziliano), admired for playing Sherlock Holmes, invited cast members to his Connecticut castle for weekend revelry. When one of the guests, Daria Chase (AutumnMargaret Walthers), is found stabbed, Gillette took on the persona of his beloved character to track down the killer and to set Inspector Goring (Emma Butler) in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, everything that could go wrong does go wrong, as each of the guests, and “Holmes,” hide the clues and the body from the inspector.
The cast also included Jocelyn Marrero (Martha Gillette), Troy Sica (Felix Geisel), Keira Ballan (Madge Geisel), Aidan Gaynor (Simon Bright), Alexa Ferrara (Aggie Wheeler) and understudies Lexington Armann and Joseph Salerno. The success of the performances was also attributed to the nine-member crew, stage managers Juliana Lewkowski and Victoria Pennachio, Vivienne Love, James Gibney and Kieran Sawyer on lighting, Ryan Wilson and music director James Uzzi on sound, art chairperson Suzette Fandale on costumes, James Gibney on set construction and Suzette Fandale and Barbara Gallagher on set design.
The District congratulates the students on their memorable performances.
Bellport HS Students Nominated for Teeny Awards
The Bellport High School Theater Program is proud to announce that three student-thespians have been nominated for 2019 Teeny Awards. Sponsored by East End Arts, the Teeny Awards, also known as the “Tony Awards” for Long Island high school theater programs, annually celebrates excellence in high school theater across the East End of Long Island. During the Teeny Awards Gala Ceremony, East End Arts will showcase the year’s favorite performances and bestow Student Theatre Arts Recognition Awards to the best of the best at Southold High School on June 9.
Bellport High School’s nominees were all involved with the school’s production of “Rent.” Tyler Zapata and Erin Kelly received nominations for lead male and lead female in a musical, respectively, while Katelyn Maddalena was nominated in the category of supporting female in a musical. David Bellante was received a recognition honor for pit orchestra, and Maya McCullough received a recognition honor as assistant director.
The district congratulates the students on this outstanding accomplishment and wishes continued success at the Teeny Awards this June.
Long Island’s Best Young Artists
Bellport High School is proud to announce that art students Courtney Gerard, Maria Slavnova and Gury Umanzor received awards of recognition at the Heckscher Museum’s Long Island’s Best Young Artists 2019 exhibit.
This 23rd annual program is the only juried exhibition for high school students that provides the opportunity to exhibit in a museum. Students submit work in a broad range of media, styles and subjects, using artwork on view at the museum as the inspiration for their own work. The object labels next to each work include a statement written by the student and an image of the professional work that inspired them. Heckscher Museum Curator Lisa Chalif and guest juror artist Robyn Cooper juried the 2019 exhibition. This year, the museum received 359 artwork entries from 57 schools, with 80 selected for display in the exhibition.
Courtney, a junior, was the winner of the Donald and Gloria Horn Scholarship Award for her digital photo “Yellowstone” printed on vellum with gold leafing. Maria, a sophomore, was the winner of the Andrew Presberg Promising Young Artist Award for his digital art, “Shades of the City.” Gury, also a junior, won the Cozza Family Photography Award for her digital photograph, “Sit with Me.”
Courtney and Gury are both students of South Country Art Department Chairperson Suzette-Emma Fandale, and Maria is a student of teacher Brandon Payne.
The district congratulates the students on this outstanding artistic accomplishment.
Bellport HS Art Students Featured Winners at BAFFA
Ten of Bellport High School’s most talented artists featured their artwork in the Bay Area Friends of the Arts High School Exhibit on April 7, held at the BAFFA Art Gallery in Sayville. Carolyn Slovensky was the winner of the prestigious Women Sharing Art, Inc. Scholarship, which is given to a graduating female senior who plans on pursuing art education at the college level. She also received a first-place award for her watercolor, “Roman Temple.” In addition, Hannah Tapler received first place in pottery for her work, “Evening Falls.” Kyle Muldoon’s mixed media work, “In Your Likeness,” and Audrey Barry’s acrylic painting on wood, “Point of View,” received third-place awards for mixed media and painting, respectively.
The annual invitational show and juried exhibition is open to high school students in Sayville, Sachem North and South, Connetquot, Bellport, Longwood, William Floyd and Patchogue-Medford. The show is also an opportunity for high school students to showcase their best pieces of artwork and to view the art of high school peers from neighboring districts.
The district also congratulates the following talented exhibitors:
Monica Balbuca – “The Stain of Hunger,” oil pastel
Isabella Banellis – “Fire at the Net,” computer graphics
Mariz Baslious – “Clouds,” computer graphics
Hanna Lupo – “Self Portrait in the Reeds,” colored pencil
Caitlin Saliba – “The Hunt,” acrylic
Dream Smith – “Our Sunday” Best, acrylic
Bellport HS Students Honored at Parrish Art Museum
On March 9, five Bellport High School student-artists were honored at the Parrish Art Museum’s annual High School Show. This prestigious show exhibited work amongst students from East End townships in various mediums including computer graphics, photography, sculpture, drawing and painting.
Caroline Slovensky won an honorable mention in pastel, while Mariz Baslious (computer graphics), Courtney Gerard (photography), Dream Smith (drawing) and Cailey Ziegler (computer graphics) won the coveted Ones to Watch award.
The district also congratulates Grace Armann (digital photography), Audrey Barry (pastel), Robert Menendez (watercolor), Kyle Muldoon (pastel), Yeak Kay Phong (paper), Bryce Reid (pastel), Cameron Kerr-Smith (pencil), Hannah Tapler (ceramics), Nahum Vanegas (weaving) and Kimberly Wilson (black and white photography) who displayed their artwork during the high school exhibit.
The district congratulates the students on this outstanding accomplishment.
South Country Artists GO APE
Bellport High School Advanced Placement Studio in Art students Monica Balbuca, Kyle Muldoon, Bryce Reid and Caroline Slovensky were selected to exhibit their artwork at the 2019 Go APE Advanced Placement Exhibition. The closing reception was held on March 3 at the Art League of Long Island’s Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery after the show ran from Feb. 16-March 3. The students created the artwork for the exhibit as part of their AP portfolio, under the direction of teacher Devin Auricchio.
The annual Go APE exhibit celebrates the exceptional artwork of Long Island Schools’ Advanced Placement students, and the most talented participants are selected by their teachers.
The South Country School District congratulates the students on this outstanding artistic achievement.
District Students Receive Commendations for Artwork
South Country community members visiting the district’s central office cannot help but take note of the exceptional student artwork hanging in the main hallway. These students were recently honored during the central office gallery Reception on Feb. 28, attended by members of the board of education, central office administration, faculty, honorees and their families.
“These art pieces are testament to the outstanding talents of our students and the exceptional professionalism of our teachers,” District Art Department Chairperson Suzette Emma Fandale said.
The district congratulates the following students whose artwork will be exhibited throughout the 2018-2019 school year.
Bellport HS Presents ‘Rent’
A talented cast and crew drew full houses during performances of Jonathan Larson’s “Rent,” held in the Bellport High School Ebersole Auditorium on Feb. 8-9.
Under the direction of Suzette Fandale, producer Barbara Gallagher and choreographer Stephanie Vertichio, the 39-member cast and company entertained the audience with this memorable rendition of the 1990s musical about a group of starving New York artists who struggle with their careers, love lives and the community effects of the AIDS epidemic while trying to survive in Manhattan’s East Village.
Shaun Laurinaitis played the role of aspiring filmmaker Mark, while Tyler Zapata played HIV-positive musician Roger, both of whom scramble to make rent to their former roommate and landlord Benjamin, played by Mike Marziliano. In the meantime, friend and professor Tom (Henry Chillogallo) is attracted to Angel (James MacGilvray), who is dying from AIDS. The success of the production was not only due to the professional-quality of the student-actors but by the 22-member crew, Angelique Graziano’s talents with hair and makeup, vocal director and accompanist Henry Finnegan and the pit orchestra, under the baton of Jim Uzzi. The masterful set design and construction were also the workings of Ms. Fandale, Ms. Gallagher and Mr. Uzzi.
The South Country Central School District congratulates the student-thespians on their outstanding performances.
Bellport MS Presents ‘Guys and Dolls’
Under the direction of Michelle Stiriz and producer Sean Austin, Bellport Middle School’s talented cast and crew drew a full house during performances of “Guys and Dolls” held on Jan. 18 and 19 in the school auditorium.
Based on the 1950 Broadway hit, the middle school production used Frank Loesser’s original, popular scores including “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat” and “I’ll Know.” On stage, Brynne Ballan played the role of Nicely-Nicely Johnson with Keira Ballan as Miss Adelaide, Anthony Santana as Nathan Detroit and Alex Marrero as Sky Masterson. Principal actors also included Annalise Scotto-Lavino (Sarah Brown), Sydney Smith (Benny/Beatty Southstreet), Eirini Michaels (General Cartwright) and Mason Linke (Big Jule).
The show’s success was also due to the artistic talents of light designer Joseph Skelly, choreographer Oya Bangura, costume designer Lisa Ferrara and the dedicated cast and crew.
Bellport HS Presents ‘Moon Over Buffalo’
A talented cast and crew drew a full house during performances of Ken Ludwig’s “Moon Over Buffalo,” held in the high school auditorium on Nov. 2-3.
Under the direction of Susan Hartmann and producer Barbara Gallagher, the eight-member cast amused the audience with this memorable tale about fading 1950s stars George and Charlotte Hay, (Henry Chillogallo and Erin Kelly), who may have one more shot at stardom. Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if he deems the Hays talented, he could cast them in his movie remake of “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” Unfortunately, everything that could go wrong does go wrong, including a visit from their daughter’s clueless fiancé and uncertainty about the play they are performing.
The cast also included Alexa Ferrara (Rosalind), Aiden Gaynor (Paul), Shaun Laurinaitis (Howard), Michael Marziliano (Richard), Maya McCullough (Ethel) and AutumnMargaret Walthers (Eileen). The success of the performances was also attributed to the 14-member crew, stage manager Alliandra Khillawan, Suzette Fandale on costumes, Alex Erwin and Hannah Tapler on props, Jim Uzzi on sound and Vivienne Love and Kieran Sawyer on lighting. Fandale and Barbara Gallagher were also responsible for the stellar set construction and design.
The South Country Central School District congratulates the student-thespians on their outstanding performances.
Bellport HS Presents ‘Rent’
A talented cast and crew drew full houses during performances of Jonathan Larson’s “Rent,” held in the Bellport High School Ebersole Auditorium on Feb. 8-9.
Under the direction of Suzette Fandale, producer Barbara Gallagher and choreographer Stephanie Vertichio, the 39-member cast and company entertained the audience with this memorable rendition of the 1990s musical about a group of starving New York artists who struggle with their careers, love lives and the community effects of the AIDS epidemic while trying to survive in Manhattan’s East Village.
Shaun Laurinaitis played the role of aspiring filmmaker Mark, while Tyler Zapata played HIV-positive musician Roger, both of whom scramble to make rent to their former roommate and landlord Benjamin, played by Mike Marziliano. In the meantime, friend and professor Tom (Henry Chillogallo) is attracted to Angel (James MacGilvray), who is dying from AIDS. The success of the production was not only due to the professional-quality of the student-actors but by the 22-member crew, Angelique Graziano’s talents with hair and makeup, vocal director and accompanist Henry Finnegan and the pit orchestra, under the baton of Jim Uzzi. The masterful set design and construction were also the workings of Ms. Fandale, Ms. Gallagher and Mr. Uzzi.
The South Country Central School District congratulates the student-thespians on their outstanding performances.
Bellport High School Art Students at Bay Area of Fine Arts at the Gillette House in Sayville
The Bay Area Friends of Fine Arts held their opening reception for the annual Student Art Exhibit on Sunday April 15th at the Gillette House in Sayville. Bellport High School is proud to announce the following results from the BAFFA Student Invitational Art Exhibit:
Hannah Lupo, Robert DeNiro, 2nd place in Drawing
Kimberly Braun, Untitled, Painting
Ashley Lituma, Untitled, 3rd place in Drawing
Emma Jones, Encased Memories, Honorable mention in Painting
Gillian Donaghy, Touching You, Mixed Media
Caroline Slovensky, Koi Pond, Painting, BEST IN SHOW
Anjali Singh, Self Portrait, 3rd place in Drawing
Jornaysia Gowens, Dancer, 3rd place in Computer Graphics
Dream Smith, Atlanta, 1st place in Mixed Media
Monica Balbuca, Girl with the Blue Eyes, 2nd place in Drawing
Bellport High School ART students at Long Islands Best at Heckscher
Bellport High School Art Department is honored to have, Audrey Barry and Domenick Nazzaro accepted into this prestigious annual juried exhibit for high school students. This year the Museum received over 385 entries from 63 schools across Nassau and Suffolk Counties with 80 works chosen for display.
Bellport High School Art Department is proud to announce that sophomore Audrey Barry has received the Renzo S. Bianchi Scholarship award for her achievement in drawing at Heckscher Museums Long Island Best exhibit.
South Country Art Students Exhibit at COLORS
Students in the South Country School District had the opportunity to exhibit their work at the Long Island Museum COLORS Student Exhibition. Art students from Kreamer Street Elementary School, Brookhaven Elementary School, Verne W. Critz Elementary School, Frank P. Long Intermediate School, Bellport Middle School and Bellport High School joined other student artists from across Long Island in this wonderful exhibit. The opening reception was held on Sunday March 4th in Stony Book where our young artists have the chance to show off their artwork to their family, friends and community. Our Artists include:
*Kreamer Elementary School:
Lorelei Hollman, grade 2
Linda Homes, grade 3
*Brookhaven Elementary School:
Logan Fried, grade 1
Marisa Casiano, grade 1
*Verne W. Critz:
Lylah Jacobs, grade 2
Sasha Chavez, grade 3
*Frank P. Long Intermediate School:
Janiery Marroquin Fuentes, grade 5
Meghan Maragioloio, grade 4
*Bellport Middle School:
Clayton Cannella, grade 8
Sara Cornacchiulo, grade 7
*Bellport High School:
Jornaysia Gowans, grade 10
Audrey Barry, grade 10
Bellport High School Parrish Art Awards
Bellport High School Art Department is proud to announce the following awards from the Parrish 2018 Student Exhibition:
Gillian Donaghy, Light After Dark, Mixed media, Bellport High School
Emma Jones, The Eternal Reach, Graphite, Bellport High School
Alexis Schnyer, Scarecrow, Digital photograph, Bellport High School
Tyler Brock, grade 11, Recycled Roads, mixed media, Bellport High School
Katherine Vignona, grade 9, Silhouette, computer graphics, Bellport High School
Caroline Slovensky, grade 11, Self Portrait, pencil, Bellport High School
Neill Slaughter of LIU selected six of our students to receive an Award of Excellence based on work in the Parrish’s 2018 Student Exhibition.
An awards ceremony and reception was held on Saturday, March 3rd at 3 pm. All exhibiting students received certificates of participation and select seniors receive awards of excellence.
Nine Bellport High School Musicians Selected For 2017 All-County Performing Ensembles
Nine Bellport High School musicians were chosen to participate in the 2017 High School All-County Music Festival. The Suffolk Chapter of the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education (NYSCAME) and the Suffolk Music Educators’ Association (SCMEA) sponsor this event jointly.
Bellport has representatives in three performing groups, the All-County Treble Choir, Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra. Over 14 hours of rehearsals will culminate in a concert performance at Hauppauge High School on Friday, November 17, 2017
Selections were made based upon each student’s NYSSMA Solo Festival rating and nominations submitted by school music teachers last June. This festival recognizes Suffolk’s most accomplished high school music students in grades 11 and 12. Representing Bellport High School are:
Valentina Banellis Viola Symphony Orchestra
Angelina Caroli Clarinet Symphonic Band
Kai Hatcher Viola Symphony Orchestra
Erin Kelly Soprano 2 Treble Choir
Maya McCullough Alto 2 Treble Choir
Emmaly Seaman Soprano 2 Treble Choir
Sarah Vaccaro Viola Symphony Orchestra
Tyler Zapata Trumpet Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Zimlinghaus Alto Saxophone Symphonic Band
The music department is very proud to have Valentina, Angelina, Kai, Erin, Maya, Emmaly, Sarah, Tyler and Andrew represent Bellport High School and the South Country Central School District at this highly celebrated event!
Four Bellport High School Musicians Selected For 2017 All-State Performing Ensembles
The selection committees for the 2017 New York State School Music Association Conference selected three Bellport High School musicians to perform at this year’s All-State NYSSMA Winter Music Conference. The festival and conference will take place in Rochester, NY, beginning Thursday, November 30 and ending Sunday, December 3. Two days of concert performances will be held at the renowned Eastman Theater of the Eastman School of Music.
Each of these students received a perfect score (A+, 100) from state adjudicators on their solo performances at last spring’s NYSSMA Solo Festival held at Eastport-South Manor High School last spring.
Bellport High School’s All-State musicians include:
• Erin Kelly - Soprano 2 - Chorus (Alternate)
• Sarah Vaccaro - Viola - Symphony Orchestra
• Tyler Zapata - Trumpet - Symphonic Band
• Andrew Zimlinghaus - Clarinet - Band (Alternate)
Each student was notified of their acceptance to the All-State Music Conference by mail in late August. They are one of 900 NYS student musicians selected to perform in one of the eight prestigious All-State performing ensembles. This represents a remarkable achievement, as there were over 6,600 students that auditioned statewide for a position in the All-State Music Festival. Performing ensembles include the All-State Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Mixed Chorus, Women’s Chorus, Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, Instrumental and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. South Country had 20 high school students audition for All-State last spring.
The music department is very proud to have Erin, Sarah, Tyler and Andrew represent Bellport High School and the South Country Central School District at this highly celebrated event!
Middle School Chorus Performs at Village 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
With over a hundred people in attendance, the Bellport Middle School Chorus gave a moving performance at the Bellport Village September 11th Memorial held at the Village Marina. (Courtesy of Long Island Advance 9/13/17)
South Country Students At Colors Art Exhibit
Students in the South Country School District had the opportunity to
exhibit their work at the Long Island Museum COLORS Student Exhibition.
Art students from Kreamer Street Elementary School, Brookhaven
Elementary School, Verne W. Critz Elementary School, Frank P. Long
Intermediate School, Bellport Middle School and Bellport High School
joined other student artists from across Long Island in this wonderful
exhibit. The opening reception was held on Sunday March 5th in Stony
Book where our young artists have the chance to show off their artwork
to their family, friends and community. Our artists include:
*Kreamer Elementary School:
Sarah Raghunandan, grade 3
Madelyn Schmidt, grade 3
*Verne W. Critz Elementary School:
Noelia Perez, grade 3, not pictured
Charlotte Keyes, grade 1, not pictured
*Brookhaven Elementary School:
Reece Lesser, grade 1
Raegan Higgins, grade 1
*Frank P. Long Intermediate School:
Molly Hough, grade 4
Chris Lopez-Garcia, grade 4
*Bellport Middle School:
Jarithsa Molina Iniguez, grade 7
Amanda Miano, grade 8
*Bellport High School:
Rebecca Priemer, grade 12
Megan Carrasquillo, grade 12, not pictured
2016 Bellport HS All-State Musicians
The
selection committees for the 2016 New York State School Music
Association Conference selected three Bellport High School musicians to
perform at this year's All-State NYSSMA Winter Music Conference. The
festival and conference will take place in Rochester, NY, beginning
Thursday, December 1 and ending Sunday, December 4. Two days of concert
performances will be held at the renowned Eastman Theater of the Eastman
School of Music.
Each of these students received a perfect score (A+, 100) from state
adjudicators on their solo performances at last spring's NYSSMA Solo
Festival held at Rocky Point High School.
Bellport High School's All-State musicians include:
Deanna DeMartino Alto II Women's Chorus
Lili Salcedo-Watson Cello String Orchestra
Laurel Zimlinghaus Clarinet Band (Alternate)
Each student was notified of their acceptance to the All-State Music
Conference by mail in late August. They are one of 900 NYS student
musicians selected to perform in one of the eight prestigious All-State
performing ensembles. This represents a remarkable achievement, as there
were over 6,500 students that auditioned statewide for a position in
the All-State Music Festival. . In fact, Deanna and Lili enjoy the rare
distinction of being selected for All-State two consecutive years!
Performing ensembles include the All-State Band, Wind Ensemble, Mixed
Chorus, Women's Chorus, Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra,
Instrumental and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. South Country had 15 high school
students audition for All-State last spring.
The music department is very proud to have Deanna, Lili and Laurel
represent Bellport High School and the South Country Central School
District at this highly celebrated event!
photo caption: L-R Lili Salcedo Watson, Deanna Dimartino and Laurel Zimlinghaus
Bellport High School Student named LIAA Scholar Artist
Bellport High School is proud to announce that Alexa Orsino is the
recipient of the Long Island Scholar Artist award. Each year the Long
Island Scholar Artist program recognizes students who excel academically
and in the areas of music, visual arts, dance, theater, or media arts.
The Long Island Arts Alliance and the members of the Educators’
Committee selected Alexa based on her Photography portfolio and her
academic ranking. Alexa is one of 20 Long Island students to receive
this honor and will be featured in Newsday during the month of January.
A kickoff event to announce this year’s recipients was held in September
and there will be a reception in May at the Tilles Center to honor all
recipients and their families.
Please join us in recognizing Alexa for this prestigious award.
37 Student Musicians Selected to Represent South Country at the Suffolk
County Music Educators Association All County Festivals (March, 2016)
SCMEA Division I Music Festival
The Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association selected 11 Bellport
Middle School musicians and 8 Frank P. Long musicians as participants in
the 2016 Division I All-County Music Festival. Bellport will have
representatives in all three performing organizations: All-County Band,
Chorus, and Orchestra. A concert performance was held on Sunday, March
13 at Ward Mellvile High School. Selections for All-County were made
from nominations submitted by district music teachers, along with a copy
of each student’s 2015 NYSSMA Solo Evaluation form. These prestigious
organizations recognize Suffolk’s most accomplished music students in
grades 5 and 6.
Participants in the Division I All-County Music Festival are:
Division I Band:
Kaitlyn Foley Mallets Frank P. Long
Sydney Macioce Flute Middle School
Giana Porter Flute Middle School
Rylie Sikeotis Flute Middle School
Grace Zimlinghaus French Horn Frank P. Long
Division I Chorus:
Keira Ballan Children’s Voice Frank P. Long
Jeremiah Branch Children’s Voice Frank P. Long
Emma Butler Children’s Voice Middle School
Madison Midgett Children’s Voice Frank P. Long
Kevin Munson Children’s Voice Middle School
Angela Nadeau Children’s Voice Middle School
Kennedy Parris Children’s Voice Middle School
Annalise Scotto-Lavino Children’s Voice Frank P. Long
Division I Orchestra:
Hannah Carlson Violin Frank P. Long
Natalia Cuccurese Violin Middle School
Violet Gordon Violin Middle School
Abigail Horn Viola Middle School
Bally Warren Double Bass Middle School
Abigail Welch Violin Frank P. Long
SCMEA Division II Music Festival
The Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association (SCMEA) selected 7
Bellport Middle School musicians as members of the 2016 Division II
All-County Music Festival. South Country has representatives in all
three performing organizations, including the All-County Band, Chorus,
and Orchestra. Three rehearsals, totaling 14 hours, culminated in a
late afternoon concert at Ward Melville High School on Sunday, March
13th. Selections of All-County students were made from NYSSMA Solo
Festival evaluation sheets / scores and nominations submitted by
district music teachers. The SCMEA Division II All-County Music
Festival recognizes Suffolk’s most accomplished music students in grades
7 and 8.
Representing South Country for 2016 are:
Division II Band:
Anthony Notartomaso Baritone/Euphonium
Alexis Noel Spence Flute
Katherine Vignona Trumpet
Division II Chorus:
Emily Gentzel Alto
Brianna Malchiodi Soprano
Division II Orchestra:
Jack Armann Violin
Troy Sica Viola
SCMEA Division III Music Festival
Eleven Bellport High School musicians were selected to participate in
the 2016 Division III All-County Music Festival on March 5, 11 and 12,
2016. The event is sponsored by the Suffolk Music Educators’ Association
(SCMEA). Faculty and students from 25 school districts throughout
eastern Suffolk County took part in this very special event. Bellport
High School had representatives in each of the three performing groups,
All-County Band, Chorus, and Orchestra. The three-day festival
culminated in a concert performance at Ward Melville High School on
Saturday, March 12th. This festival recognizes Suffolk’s most
accomplished high school music students in grades 9 and 10. Selections
were made based upon each student’s 2015 NYSSMA Solo Festival evaluation
rating and nominations submitted by school music teachers.
Selected to the 2016 Division III All-County Music Festival are:
Division III Band:
Angelina Caroli Bb Clarinet
Emily Caruso Bb Clarinet
Ben Greene Trombone
Marielle Jankowski Bb Clarinet
Tyler Zapata Trumpet
Andrew Zimlinghaus Alto Sax
Division III Chorus:
Joseph Murphy Bass
Division III Orchestra:
Grace Armann Violin
Kai Hatcher Viola
Sarah Vaccaro Viola
Lacey Walsh Oboe
Bellport HS Musicians Chosen for All-County Music Festival (November, 2015)
The South Country Music Department is proud to announce that eight
Bellport High School musicians were chosen to participate in the 2015
High School All-County Music Festival. The Suffolk Chapter of the New
York State Council of Administrators of Music Education (NYSCAME) and
the Suffolk Music Educators' Association (SCMEA) sponsor this event
jointly.
Bellport has representatives in four performing groups, the All-County
Mixed Chorus, Women's Chorus, Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra.
Over 14 hours of rehearsals will culminate in a concert performance at
Huntington High School on Friday, November 20, 2015.
Selections were made based upon each student's NYSSMA Solo Festival
rating and nominations submitted by school music teachers last June.
This festival recognizes Suffolk's most accomplished high school music
students in grades 11 and 12.
Representing Bellport High School are:
Edward Adler Clarinet Symphonic Band
Ashley Berrell Trombone Symphonic Band
Deanna DiMartino Alto II Women's Chorus
Shannon Gibbons Alto II Women's Chorus
Natalie Maida Alto II Mixed Chorus
Rachel Milia French Horn Symphony Orchestra
Lili Salcedo-Watson Cello Symphony Orchestra
Laurel Zimlinghaus Clarinet Symphony Orchestra
The music department is very proud to have Edward, Ashley, Deanna,
Shannon, Natalie, Rachel, Lili and Laurel represent Bellport High School
and the South Country Central School District at this highly celebrated
event!
Bellport High School Music Students Selected for NYSSMA All-State Festival (December, 2015)
The selection
committees for the 2015 New York State School Music Association Winter
Conference have chosen three Bellport High School Musicians to perform
at this year’s NYSSMA All-State Music Festival. The festival, which is
part of the NYSSMA Winter Conference, will take place in Rochester, NY,
beginning Thursday, December 3 and ending Sunday, December 6. Two days
of concert performances will be held at the renowned Eastman Theater of
the Eastman School of Music.
Each of these students received a perfect score (A+, 100) from state
adjudicators on their solo performances at last spring’s NYSSMA Solo
Festival held at William Floyd High School, on April 17 and 18.
Bellport High School’s All-State musicians include:
Deanna DeMartino Alto II Mixed Chorus
Natalie Maida Alto II Mixed Chorus
Natalie Maida Jazz Alto Voice Vocal Jazz
Lili Salcedo-Watson Cello Orchestra (alt.)
Each student was notified of their acceptance to the All-State Music
Conference by mail in late August. They are one of 900 NYS student
musicians selected to perform in one of the eight prestigious All-State
performing ensembles. This represents a remarkable achievement, as
there were over 6,500 students that auditioned statewide for a position
in the All-State Music Festival. Performing ensembles include the
All-State Band, Wind Ensemble, Mixed Chorus, Women’s Chorus, Symphony
Orchestra, String Orchestra, Instrumental and Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
South Country had 10 high school students audition for All-State last
spring.
The Music Department is very proud to have Deanna, Natalie and Lili
represent Bellport High School and the South Country Central School
District at this highly celebrated event!
Bellport HS Junior, Steven Contreras, Receives Honorable Mention in White House Student Film Festival
The Bellport High School Art Department is proud to announce that junior Steven Contreras has received an Honorable Mention in the 2015 White House Student Film Festival. Steven's submission was one of 1,500 entries from around the world!
The theme of this year's festival was entitled "The Impact of Giving Back". Steven's inspiration for his video was the work of the non-profit group "Music Unites" and how they provide music to at risk youths in the NYC area.
Please follow the link to view Steven's video on YouTube: http://youtu.be/bVnGG_j3yOc
South Country Recognized Nationally for Music Education 2015
The South Country Central School District has once again been recognized by the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. South Country joins 388 districts in 46 states to receive the prestigious "Best Communities for Music Education" distinction in 2015. This is the second time South Country has received this recognition.
In its 16th year, Best Communities for Music Education affirms school districts that have demonstrated exceptional efforts toward maintaining music education as part of the schools' core curriculum. According to the White House's Turnaround Arts program, 1.3 million elementary school students still have no access to music classes.
The BCME designation takes on added significance this year with new research showing strong evidence of the correlation between music education and overall student success. A recent Northwestern University study conducted by researcher Dr. Nina Kraus "shows that participation in music education programs helps improve brain function and sparks language development."
The BCME survey requires districts to answer detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, Kansas, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.
The South Country Music Department provides a high quality music education for all district students through many classroom and performance ensembles. Over 1800 students grades 3 through 12 participate in our performance ensembles while many others benefit from our extensive classroom experiences and rigorous music theory program.
About NAMM Foundation:
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its nearly 9,000 members around the world with the mission of advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.
.jpg?t=635652956408300000)
The Art Department is proud to announce that we have a student entry in this year’s “Long Islands Best”, the Heckscher Museum's prestigious annual juried exhibition for high school students. Bellport High School Artist Amanda Cioffi’s artwork was one of 80 pieces chosen from over 350 entries from across Long Island. The opening reception will be held on Saturday March 28th at 5:30. Please join us for this honor
Bellport High School Senior Lindsey Smith has won the Suffolk County Music Educators Association Music Advocacy Video contest.
The Suffolk County Music Educators Association has announced Bellport
High School senior Lindsey Smith as winner of its annual Music Advocacy
Video Contest. This contest coincides with the National Association for
Music Education's celebration of Music In Our Schools month.
Entrants were asked to create a video based on this year's Music In Our
Schools theme, "Music Makes Me..." Lindsey produced a video that
overwhelmed the SCMEA selection committee. SCMEA will recognize Miss
Smith at its two Division 2 and Division 3 concerts the weekend of March
14, 2015 by opening each concert with Lindsey's video.
The video can be seen at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_WY1MnlO_M&feature=em-upload_owner
The South Country Music Department congratulates Lindsey on her achievement.
Bellport High School Students exhibit work at the Parrish Art Museum
Art students from Bellport High School had the opportunity to exhibit work at the Parrish Art Museums Annual High School Show February 1-st - March 15th. 15 students from Bellport High School exhibited work amongst students from other East End Townships in various mediums including computer graphics, photography, sculpture, drawing and painting. The awards ceremony was held on Saturday March 7th. The Art Department is pleased to announce that Maureen McSherry has won a senior award for excellence in Illustration for her computer graphic "Sinatra" and Dakota Haraden won a Senior Award in Painting for his painting "Decaying Beauty".
B.H.S. artists pictured are Steven Molina Contreres, Samantha Izzo and Renzo Abaldanado.
Not pictured are Jamie Clifton, Jovanna Briscoe, Lindsey Smith, Ryan Murphy, Amanda Cioffi, Rachel Scalice, Cassandra O'Connor, Li Guo and Erin Berja.
 |
 |
Maureen McSherry, Sinatra
|
Dakota Haraden, Decaying Beauty
|
SOUTH COUNTRY ART STUDENTS EXHIBIT AT COLORS
Students in the South Country School District had the opportunity to exhibit their work at the Long Island Museum COLORS Student Exhibition. Art students from Kreamer Street Elementary School, Brookhaven Elementary School, Verne W. Critz Elementary School, Frank P. Long Intermediate School, Bellport Middle School and Bellport High School will join other student artists from across Long Island in this wonderful exhibit. The opening reception was held on Sunday March 8th in Stony Book where our young artists have the chance to show off their artwork to their family, friends and community. Our artists include:
Kreamer Elementary School:
|
Verne W. Critz Elementary School
|
|
Alivia Torres
|
Andie Pedatella
|
Mikaela Lozano - not pictured
|
Madeline Fox- not pictured
|
|
Brookhaven Elementary School:
|
Frank P. Long Intermediate School:
|
|
Joshua Terry
|
|
|
Lauren Valentin- not pictured
|
Ryann Christie
|
Trinity Brown
|
|
Bellport Middle School:
|
Bellport High School:
|
|
Anna Burkhardt
|
Ella Rauch
|
Jillian Lento
Gabrielle Desposito
|
Eight South Country Students Selected to the 2015 Long Island String Festival
East Patchogue, NY, January 23, 2015– The Long Island String Festival Association (LISFA) announced the selection of eight South Country School District String musicians to perform with the 2015 LISFA String Orchestras. The LISFA festival consists of string orchestras at the elementary, middle school, junior high and high school level and features the finest string musicians in Suffolk Country. Students are selected based upon scores from performances at the NYSSMA Spring Solo and Ensemble Festival, held last April, and upon recommendations submitted by the South Country string faculty.
Representing South Country are:
High School Division (grades 10-12):
|
Jennifer Ramirez
|
Violin
|
Bellport HS
|
Lili Salcedo-Watson
|
Cello
|
Bellport HS
|
| |
Junior High Division (grades 8-9):
|
Valentina Banellis
|
Viola
|
Bellport MS
|
Sarah Vaccaro
|
Viola
|
Bellport HS
|
| |
Middle School Division (grades 6-7):
|
Jack Armann
|
Violin
|
Bellport MS
|
Troy Sica
|
Viola
|
Bellport MS
|
| |
Elementary Division (grade 5):
|
Meaghan Araujo
|
Bass
|
Frank P. Long
|
Violet Gordon
|
Violin
|
Frank P. Long
|
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact James Uzzi at 631-730-1622 or email at juzzi@southcountry.org.
STUDENTS 4 ART
a division of the South Country Education Foundation funded a field trip for 30 art students from Bellport High School to the Museum of Modern Art for a guided visit. Students had the opportunity to explore contemporary and modern works of art in MOMA’s collection with an education specialist from the museum. The students were able to connect with concepts and ideas related to artworks and their personal experiences through guided activities and discussion.
Bellport High School Students exhibit work at the Parrish Art Museum
Art students from Bellport High School have the opportunity to exhibit work at the Parrish Art Museums Annual High School Show February 1st - March 1st. 14 students from Bellport High School will exhibit work amongst students from other East End Townships in various mediums including computer graphics, photography, sculpture, drawing and painting.
Our students include:
Dakota Haraden
Ryan Murphy
Lindsey Smith
Amanda Cioffi
Renzo Albadonado
Jamie Clifton
Jovanna Briscoe
Samantha Izzo
Steven Molina Contreres
Rachel Scalice
Cassandra O Connor
Maureen McSherry
Li Guo
Erin Berja
AP Art students exhibit at the Phoenix Gallery in Bellport Village
Advanced Placement Studio in Art students have the unique opportunity to exhibit their work at the Phoenix Gallery in Bellport Village
The exhibit is part of the Brookhaven Arts and Humanities Photography Show that runs from Sunday January 18th thru Sunday February 1st.
Bellport High School at Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts Student Invitational Show
The Bellport High School art department is pleased to announce the following student participation and accolades from the bay area friends of fine art exhibit:
CASEY LEACH
Winner of the Women Sharing Art Scholarship based on her portfolio submission and mission statement.
KATHRYN MARTINEZ
Best in Show, Summer Sky, Gouache
THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS EXHIBITED ARTWORK:
JAMIE CLIFTON, 1ST PLACE PASTEL, INDIFFERENCE
CHRISTINE DALCAMO, 3RD PLACE PHOTOGRAPHY, EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED
CHRISTINA GARCIA, 3RD PLACE MIXED MEDIA, DOUBLE VISION
CHLOE KUDLOW, 3RD PLACE ACRYLIC, WOOF
DANIELLE ROSE, INK ME IN VENICE, PHOTOGRAPHY
BRITTANY LECH, DARK FOREST, PHOTOGRAPHY
OLIVIA GASSNER, 1ST PLACE PHOTOGRAPHY, THE CELLIST
South Country School District Ranks Among Nation's Top Communities for Music Education
Mr. James Uzzi, Chairperson of Music for the South Country Central School District is pleased to announce that the NAMM Foundation recognized South Country Central School District for its outstanding commitment to music education with a Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) designation. South Country joins 376 districts across the country to receive the prestigious distinction in 2014.
In its 15th year, Best Communities for Music Education affirms school districts that have demonstrated exceptional efforts toward maintaining music education as part of the schools’ core curriculum.
The BCME survey requires districts to answer detailed questions about funding, "graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, Kansas, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.
As South Country finalizes its 2014–2015 budget, the announcement of this year’s Best Communities for Music Education designation brings attention to the importance of keeping music education part of the school’s core education and music’s vital role in student success in school.
The Best Communities for Music Education program plays an important part of the NAMM Foundation’s efforts to make music education part of the core curriculum assuring that the benefits of music making are available to every child. Numerous studies have demonstrated that learning to play music can boost academic and social skills, lower disciplinary action and keep kids in schools.
The South Country Music Department provides a high quality music education for all district students through many classroom and performance ensembles. Over 1800 students grades 3 through 12 participate in our performance ensembles while many others benefit from our extensive classroom experiences and rigorous music theory program.
Bellport High School at Long Island’s Best
The Art Department at Bellport High School is pleased to announce that 4 students had work their work chosen for the 18th Annual Long Island Best Student Art Show at the Heckscher Museum in Huntington. This juried exhibition provides select students with the unparalleled opportunity to exhibit their artwork in the Museum galleries and connect with the broader Long Island community. This year, the Museum received 310 student artwork entries from 53 schools across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Curator Lisa Chalif selected 85 works in various media for display in the exhibition.
We are proud to announce that Casey Leach has placed 3rd overall in this prestigious show for her Three dimensional book carving, Long Island: An Adventure Book and Olivia Gassner was the recipient of the Achievement Award in Photography for her digital photograph, The Arctic’s Souvenir.
Please join us in congratulating our student artists:
Casey Leach
Long Island: An Adventure Book. Three-dimensional book carving.
Olivia Gassner
The Arctic's Souvenir. Digital photograph.
Kayla Boccia
Whisper of the Night, Digital photograph
Jamie Clifton
Mood Swing. Encaustic, wire, fishing line.
The opening reception took place on Saturday April 5th, 5:30-7:30 at the Heckscher Museum in Huntington.
Casey Leach Jamie Clifton Kayla Boccia Olivia Gassner
Bellport HS Silk Screening Workshop
Bellport High School Art students had the opportunity to participate in a silkscreen workshop held by visiting artist Dan Kudreyko. Dan is a creative multimedia designer who resides and works locally. Students were introduced to the process and application of silkscreen art in both the commercial and art settings. Students had the opportunity to create screen printed T-shirts upon completion of the workshop. The grant for this workshop was awarded to art teacher Chris Varley and made possible from a grant through South Country Education Foundation.
David O. Miller at Frank P. Long
Frank P. Long students had the experience of working with illustrator David O. Miller of East Northport. Mr. Miller joined students and parents recently for a night of cartooning sponsored by Students 4 Art.
Mr. Miller discussed his work as an illustrator and cartoonist. Students had the opportunity to draw along with Mr. Miller as he shared his skill and technique with them. An exciting night of cartooning was enjoyed by all that attended.
Bellport High School Students Attend Long Island Media Arts Show
Eighteen students from Bellport High School attended the Long Island Media Arts Show at Five Towns College in Dix Hills. The show provided an opportunity for these students to exhibit their work and receive adjudication from judges.
Best in Shows were awarded to the following Bellport High School students:
Casey Leach in Computer Graphics
Chris Daconto in Video
Sean Issacs in Video
Special recognition went to Chris Daconto and Sean Issacs upon receiving an invitation to First Exposure, the annual student film festival at the Huntington Arts Cinema in May.
LI Best Young Artists Show at Heckscher Museum
Bellport High School Art Department is proud to announce that four students have had their work accepted into the juried Long Islands Best Young Artists Show at the Heckscher Museum.
Please join us as we celebrate the work of Kayla Boccia, Jamie Clifton, Olivia Gassner and Casey Leach.
OPENING RECEPTION
SATURDAY APRIL 5TH
5:30 PM- 7:30 PM
Long Island's Best is a comprehensive arts-in-education program that integrates experiences in The Heckscher Museum and the high school art classroom, culminating with the presentation of students' original works juried by a museum professional. Over the past 18 years, this program has grown to become a prestigious opportunity; it is the only juried exhibition on Long Island that offers high school students the opportunity to show their artwork in an art museum.
Brookhaven Students Display Work at The Suffolk County Art Leaders Association Children’s Show in Babylon
The Suffolk County Art Leaders Association hosted a student art show for elementary students at the Babylon Town Hall on Saturday March 15th. Refreshments were served to the artists and their families. The five students from Brookhaven that had work displayed were Bryan Gavidia, Anthony Monteiro, Abbey Py, Joseph Senzatimore, and Derek Griffin. There was an artist reception and snacks were served. All participating students were recognized with ribbons by the organizers of the show. The work will be on display in the lobby in front of Little Voices Gallery.
Brookhaven Students Display Work at The Long Island Museum
The Long Island Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages is currently hosting a student art show for students from kindergarten through grade 12 entitled “Colors of Long Island: Student Expressions. The display will be on display until April 27th. There was an artist reception on Sunday, March 16th from 12 - 2 p.m. Two Brookhaven students whose is currently on display in this event are Rachel Li
and Nikolle Slavnova.
Bellport High School Music Students SCMEA Division III
The Board of Education recognized the Bellport High School SCMEA Divison III Music Festival participants at a recent meeting.
Pictured left to right-Board President Chris Picini, Students Lily Salcedo-Watson , Deanna Di Martino , Laurel Zimlinghaus , Edward Adler , Gino Cruz, Ashley Berrell, Natalie Maida, Superintendent of Schools, Joseph Giani, Music Chairman, Jim Uzzi.
Board of Education Honors Bellport Middle School Music Students
The Board of Education recognized the Bellport Middle School SCMEA Divison II Music Festival participants at a recent meeting.
Pictured from left to right are: BOE President, Chris Picini, students, Sarah Vaccaro, Lauren Sweeney, Mackenzie Leidig, Emily Caruso, Tyler
Brock, Mia Grossman, Gionnah Hicks, Maya McCullough, Grace Armann, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joseph Giani and Music Chairman,
James Uzzi.
