The Port Jefferson School District proudly hosted the 67th Annual Mid-Island Band Festival on January 23–24 at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, welcoming talented high school musicians from across Long Island.

Band students from Earl L. Vandermeulen High School were joined by peers from Hauppauge, Miller Place, Patchogue-Medford, Sayville, and West Islip High Schools for two days of collaborative rehearsals and performances. The festival culminated in a featured concert conducted by Ms. Pat Isenberg, a veteran Long Island music educator from the Miller Place School District.

Representing Earl L. Vandermeulen High School were Benjamin Batter (Grade 11), Jamie Kircher (Grade 12), Klea Mehmeti (Grade 9), Kay Moran (Grade 12), Isaac Rubenstein (Grade 11), Dylan Sproul (Grade 10), Luca Thomsen (Grade 10), Charlotte Tishim (Grade 12), and Dasha Zakharova (Grade 11). These students were selected for their musical achievement and dedication, and they performed alongside top student musicians from participating districts.

The Mid-Island Band Festival provides students with a unique opportunity to enhance their musicianship while collaborating with fellow performers from neighboring school communities. The Port Jefferson School District congratulates all participating students on their outstanding performances. Special thanks are extended to Ms. Christine Creighton, Port Jefferson High School band teacher and chairperson for the 2026 festival, for her leadership and commitment to the success of this event.

Click here to view the Port Jefferson Hosts 67th Annual Mid-Island Band Festival slideshow.

Date Added: 2/9/2026

The Port Jefferson Middle School string ensemble had the honor of performing the National Anthem at the Stony Brook University Men’s Home Basketball Game on January 15, prior to the matchup against Hofstra University.

The student musicians delivered a memorable performance in front of a packed arena, showcasing their talent, dedication, and musical excellence on a collegiate stage. The opportunity provided students with a unique and inspiring experience, connecting music education with a major university athletic event.

This special performance was made possible with the assistance of August Fortugno, Coordinator of Ticket Operations for Stony Brook University, whose support and coordination helped bring the event together. Port Jefferson Middle School is proud of the String Ensemble for representing the district with professionalism and pride, and for contributing to a memorable game-day atmosphere at Stony Brook University.

Edna Louise Spear Elementary School and Port Jefferson Middle School string students recently showcased their musical talent at the Intermediate Long Island String Festival (LISFA) held at Northport High School.

The following students, representing grades 5–8, were selected to perform at this prestigious festival: Seyanna Cerar (Grade 8), Magdalene Masone (Grade 5), Aria Olsen (Grade 5), Sude Ozgur (Grade 8), Annika Schenke (Grade 5), and Addison Schmettan (Grade 6).

Students were chosen through a competitive selection process that included musicians from across Suffolk County. Selection was based primarily on New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) scores, along with teacher recommendations, highlighting both technical skill and musical achievement.

Participation in LISFA provides students with the opportunity to perform challenging repertoire alongside talented peers while working with experienced conductors. Congratulations to all selected Port Jefferson string students on this outstanding accomplishment. Their hard work and dedication to music are commendable and reflect the strength of the Port Jefferson string program. 

 

Date Added: 2/4/2026

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School seniors Mari Fukuto and Isabela Thomsen were recently selected to participate in the prestigious New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Winter Conference, held in Rochester, NY.

Mari Fukuto performed violin with the NYSSMA All-State Symphonic Orchestra, while Isabela Thomsen was selected as an alto vocalist in the All-State Mixed Choir. Selection for the All-State Conference is a significant achievement, as students are chosen through a rigorous audition process that recognizes the highest levels of musical excellence across New York State.

Mari and Isabela had the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside some of the finest student musicians in the state, working under the direction of renowned conductors and music educators. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School congratulates Mari Fukuto and Isabela Thomsen on this outstanding accomplishment and for representing their school music program with pride.