Earl L. Vandermeulen High School students proudly presented an unforgettable performance of William Shakespeare’s timeless classic, Romeo and Juliet. This extraordinary production brought the iconic tale of the star-crossed lovers to life, showcasing the impressive talents of over 20 students both on stage and behind the scenes.

Under the direction of Tony Butera, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s production of Romeo and Juliet featured a talented cast of students who have been rehearsing since late September, dedicating four to five days per week to perfect their performances. From the passionate balcony scene to the tragic conclusion, students performed Shakespeare’s original dialogue, delivering the powerful emotions and timeless themes of love, fate, and family conflict.

In addition to the acting, students worked behind the scenes as part of the production crew, helping to bring the play to life with sets, costumes, lighting, and sound. The collaborative effort between cast and crew has resulted in a truly dynamic performance that surely captivated the audience.

“As a director, it has been a privilege to watch our students grow both as performers and as individuals throughout this process,” said Mr. Butera. “They’ve not only embraced the beauty and complexity of Shakespeare's language, but they’ve also taken on challenging physical aspects of the play, including sword fighting with epees and foils for the fight scenes. The level of dedication and commitment from the entire cast and crew has been inspiring, and we’re thrilled to share this production with our community.”

The students who portrayed the iconic roles of Romeo and Juliet, along with the rest of the cast, have worked tirelessly to bring these beloved characters to life. Additionally, some students have even trained in stage combat to perform the thrilling sword fights that are central to the play’s most dramatic moments.

“We’re incredibly proud of the hard work, passion, and creativity that our students have poured into this production,” said Dr. Michael Caravello, Director of Music and Fine Arts. “This show is a testament to the talent and dedication of our students, and we can’t wait to share it with the community.”

 

Click here to view the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Presents Romeo and Juliet slideshow.

Date Added: 12/2/2024

Students from the Port Jefferson School District recently participated in the 28th Annual Charles Dickens Festival. This beloved community event celebrates the traditions and spirit of the Victorian era. This year’s festivities included Residents' Night and Lantern Dedication ceremony.

The festival’s performances showcased the incredible talent of Port Jefferson’s young musicians. Students from the Tri-M Music Honor Society, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, and Port Jefferson Middle School had the honor of participating in a series of live performances that enchanted festivalgoers with holiday music and classic tunes.

The Port Jefferson Tri-M Music Honor Society Mixed Ensemble, under the direction of Edward Pisano, helped kick off the event with a lively and spirited performance. The Port Jefferson Middle School String Orchestra, directed by Vanessa Salzman, followed with an elegant display of skill and harmony. The Edna Louise Spear Elementary School Select Choir, directed by Laurel Zimlinghaus, captivated the audience with their youthful voices, setting a warm tone for the season.

Additionally, the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Chamber Choir, under the direction of Joseph Albano, provided beautiful choral renditions, while the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School String Orchestra, led by Michael Caravello, rounded out the musical performances with their exceptional string arrangements.

“I’m so proud of all of our students who performed at this year’s Charles Dickens Festival,” said Dr. Michael Caravello, Director of Fine Arts and Music. “Their hard work and dedication were evident in every note they played and sang. It’s an honor to have our students represent Port Jefferson in such a meaningful community event.”

The Charles Dickens Festival is a long-standing tradition in Port Jefferson, drawing visitors from all over to experience the charm of Dickensian-inspired activities. This year’s performances were a highlight, with the musical ensembles providing festive tunes that truly captured the holiday spirit. The Port Jefferson School District continues to emphasize the importance of arts and music education, encouraging students to pursue their passions and share their talents with the community.

Click here to view the Port Jefferson Students Shine at the 28th Annual Charles Dickens Fest slideshow.

Date Added: 12/17/2024

Madison Testa, a talented junior musician from Port Jefferson's Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, had the honor of performing with the prestigious New York Youth Symphony Orchestra (NYYS) at Carnegie Hall on November 24th, 2024.

A rising star in the music world, Madison was selected to join NYYS for their concert at the legendary venue, a remarkable achievement for any young musician. The NYYS, recognized internationally for its innovative and educational programs, provides a platform for the most gifted and promising young musicians from the New York Metropolitan area.

Madison’s performance not only highlights her exceptional musical talent but also brings attention to the vibrant arts program at Port Jefferson School District. Representing her community at such a celebrated event, Madison showcased her dedication and skill, earning well-deserved recognition among her peers and professional musicians.

The New York Youth Symphony Orchestra has long been a staple in the world of classical music, providing youth with the opportunity to develop their skills under the guidance of professional conductors and composers. This prestigious performance serves as a testament to Madison’s hard work, dedication, and love for music, as well as the ongoing commitment of the Port Jefferson School District to fostering excellence in the arts.

The Port Jefferson School District is immensely proud of Madison Testa’s achievements and looks forward to her continued success in music.

Date Added: 12/12/2024

Port Jefferson School District is proud to announce that two of its talented band students, Patrick Richard (7th grade) and Andrew Weinisch (6th grade), recently participated in the prestigious SCMEA (Suffolk County Music Educators Association) Day of Tuba and Euphonium Festival. The event took place at Westhampton Beach High School and brought together tuba and euphonium students from across Suffolk County for an unforgettable evening of music and performance.

The festival featured a collaborative performance with tuba virtuoso and esteemed music educator Michael Salzman, a professor at Hofstra University. Salzman led the students in a dynamic and enriching musical experience, offering invaluable guidance and mentorship as they rehearsed and performed a selection of pieces. For Patrick and Andrew, this was an incredible opportunity to perform alongside some of the most promising young musicians in the county, all while learning from one of the top educators in the field.

“We are incredibly proud of Patrick and Andrew for representing Port Jefferson at such a distinguished event,” said Dr. Michael Caravello, Director of Music and Fine Arts “Participating in the SCMEA Day of Tuba and Euphonium Festival is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for music. The opportunity to work with Michael Salzman and other talented musicians is an experience they will carry with them throughout their musical journeys.”

The SCMEA Day of Tuba and Euphonium Festival is an annual event that brings together the finest young brass musicians from across Suffolk County to celebrate their love of music and showcase their skills. In addition to rehearsing and performing, students also had the chance to attend masterclasses and workshops, further enhancing their musicianship and knowledge of their instruments.

Port Jefferson students continue to excel in music and are consistently recognized for their commitment to excellence in both performance and academics. This experience at the SCMEA Day of Tuba and Euphonium Festival is just one of many ways that Port Jefferson’s music program provides students with opportunities for growth and achievement.

 

Date Added: 12/6/2024

Date Added: 12/6/2024

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School sophomore Jameson Roeber recently represented Team USA at the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Stand Up Paddling World Championships in Sarasota, Florida. Competing against some of the world’s top athletes, Jameson showcased his remarkable talent and determination in the Junior Long Distance Race (ages 15-18).

In a highly competitive field, Jameson finished 36th overall in the World Junior Long Distance Race, a stellar achievement that placed him as the 1st Junior overall for Team USA. This remarkable accomplishment highlights his dedication to the sport and his skill and tenacity as one of the top young stand-up paddlers in the world.

Jameson’s outstanding performance at the World Championships has earned him recognition not only in his local community but also among his peers in the world of stand-up paddling. His success has inspired other young athletes to pursue their passions and strive for excellence.

 

Date Added: 12/5/2024