The Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Chapter 2172 of the Tri-M Music Honor Society hosted its 17th annual honors recital and induction ceremony recently, showcasing the remarkable talents of its student members.

The honors recital provided a platform for Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s talented musicians to showcase their ability and artistic expression. From captivating solo performances to harmonious ensemble pieces, the audience was treated to an evening of exceptional musicality and creativity.

In addition to the captivating performances, the event also celebrated the induction of new members into the prestigious Tri-M Music Honor Society. This year’s inductees include Allie Blumenthal, Avery Eisaman, Kevin Hong, Iris Park, Sadie Salzman, Ava Sexton, and Dasha Zakharova. These students demonstrated exceptional dedication to music and have met the rigorous requirements set forth by the honor society.

Membership in the Tri-M Music Honor Society is based on the society’s five points of distinction: Scholarship, character, cooperation, leadership, and service. Inductees must exemplify these qualities in their academic pursuits, musical endeavors, and contributions to the school and community.

Date Added: 5/1/2024

For 18 consecutive years, the Port Jefferson School District has been recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation as one of the Best Communities in Music Education.

This esteemed accolade reaffirms the district's commitment to providing outstanding music education opportunities to its students. Since 2006, the Port Jefferson School District has consistently demonstrated excellence in music education, earning the admiration of the NAMM Foundation and educators nationwide. This sustained recognition speaks volumes about the district's dedication to fostering well-rounded education, for which music plays an integral role in student's academic and personal development.

One of the examples of how Port Jefferson fosters love and excellence in music is the Instrumental Petting Zoo. This engaging event aimed at igniting musical passion among its students allows second-grade students to explore and experiment with various musical instruments, guided by high school student mentors.

The Instrumental Petting Zoo provided a hands-on learning experience and fostered intergenerational connections within the Port Jefferson School District community. By engaging with older students, the younger participants gained valuable insights and inspiration, igniting their curiosity and enthusiasm for music.

Dr. Michael Caravello, Director of Fine Arts and Music of Port Jefferson School District, expressed his gratitude for the continuous support and recognition from the NAMM Foundation. “Receiving the Best Communities in Music Award for the 18th consecutive year is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional music education opportunities for our students,” he said. “Events like the Instrumental Petting Zoo exemplify our dedication to nurturing a lifelong appreciation for music and fostering creativity and collaboration among our students.

The Port Jefferson School District remains steadfast in its mission to empower students through music education, equipping them with invaluable skills and experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. As a proud recipient of the Best Communities in Music Award, the district looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence and innovation in music education for years to come.

Date Added: 4/30/2024

Edna Louise Spear Elementary School ran a successful Day-in-Clay program, an initiative designed to ignite creativity and connect students with the rich history of ceramics. Through this program, the school welcomed acclaimed visiting artist Cliff Mendelson to guide students through the intricate world of pottery, fostering a deeper understanding of artistic expression and cultural heritage.

“We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and talent showcased by our students during the Day in Clay program,” said Principal Amy Laverty. “This initiative fostered artistic expression and instilled a sense of pride and connection to our heritage to our students.”

The Day-in-Clay program is a unique educational endeavor that goes beyond traditional classroom teachings, offering students hands-on experience with the potter's wheel and various ceramic techniques. Fourth-grade students participated in the creation of a stunning 3D tile mural under Mr. Mendelson's expert guidance. The acclaimed artist also demonstrated the significance of the potter's wheel in the history of ceramics, emphasizing its role in connecting artisans to their cultural roots and potential in the creative medium. Under his supervision, students delved into the design process, selecting images that represent the diversity of nature and reflect their heritage, culture, and appreciation for the planet.

Each student took ownership of their artistic vision, designing a unique 6x6 tile that contributed to the larger 10' x 4' mural. From shaping the clay to painting intricate details, students experienced every aspect of the ceramic process, gaining invaluable skills and confidence in their abilities.

“Thank you to Mr. Mendelssohn for his invaluable contribution to this transformative experience,” said Dr. Michael Caravello, Director of Music and Fine Arts. “The culmination of the program will see the installation of the tile mural, serving as a lasting testament to the creativity and collaborative spirit of our students. The mural will adorn the school’s wall, inspiring future generations to explore the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.”

Date Added: 4/23/2024

Fifth-grade art club students from Edna Louise Spear Elementary School recently visited the Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery at SUNY Stony Brook's Staller Center. Accompanied by their art teacher, Riley Mulligan, the students explored the world of contemporary art as they visited the graduate student thesis art exhibit.

“What an enriching experience for our fifth-grade art club students, remarked Amy Laverty, Principal of Edna Lousie Spear Elementary School. “Activities like the trip to the Zuccaire Gallery inspire our students and provide them with hands-on opportunities to explore their passions and academic interests. It’s truly invaluable to their education, and we hope experiences like this encourage them to nurture their potential.”

During their visit, Karen Levitov, director and curator for the gallery, engaged with students in discussions about the various techniques and inspiration behind the artists' works. The students also participated in several hands-on activities, enriching their understanding of the creative process and their appreciation of contemporary art.

The Port Jefferson School District is proud to provide students with opportunities to explore the arts and expand their creative horizons, and extends its gratitude to Karen Levitov and the gallery team for their warm welcome and facilitation of this incredible experience!

Date Added: 4/18/2024