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

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 is proud to announce that seven of its talented students have been selected to participate in the prestigious New York State Council of Administrators for Music Education (NYSCAME) All-County Music Festival. These students—Kevin Hong (grade 11), Andi Kelly (grade 12), Albert Peterson (grade 12), Samantha Reichers (grade 12), Madison Testa (grade 11), Isabella Thomsen (grade 11), and Devon Welsch (grade 12)—were chosen to perform alongside top musicians from across Suffolk County.

The NYSCAME All-County Music Festival took place at Connetquot and Hauppauge high schools. Students were selected based on their competitive NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) scores and teacher recommendations. Participation in this esteemed festival highlights the exceptional musical talent and dedication of these students, who continue to represent Earl L. Vandermeulen High School with pride.

Dr. Michael Caravello, Director of Music & Fine Arts at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, congratulated the students on their achievement. We are incredibly proud of these students for being recognized at such a high level of musical excellence,” Dr. Caravello said. “Their hard work and commitment to their craft are truly inspiring. They continue to set the bar for musical achievement at our school.

The students will be performing in a variety of ensembles, including orchestra, band, and chorus, alongside their peers from other schools in the region. The event offers an opportunity for students to showcase their talents and collaborate with other gifted musicians from across Suffolk County.

 

Date Added: 11/25/2024

The Drama Club at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School had the amazing opportunity recently to attend a performance of the acclaimed Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending, a heartwarming production that has captivated audiences with its story and music. After the performance, the students were invited to participate in an exclusive “talk back” session with the cast and producer. Students were accompanied by their dedicated drama teacher, Mr. Tony Butera, and physical education teacher, Ms. Dinarae Camarda who helped chaperone, for an unforgettable experience that combined live theater with invaluable industry insights.

At the talk-back sessions, students were able to ask questions directly to the actors and creative team, learning firsthand about their craft, the journey to Broadway, and the challenges and triumphs of bringing a show to life on one of the world's most prestigious stages.

The event provided an engaging educational experience for students, who had the chance to gain inspiration and knowledge from professionals at the top of their field. The talk-back session covered a wide range of topics, including acting techniques, career paths, and the creative process behind the production. The students’ enthusiasm and insightful questions were met with generous responses, sparking meaningful conversations that bridged the gap between classroom learning and the professional theater world.

“We are so grateful to the cast and crew of Maybe Happy Ending for giving our students this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Mr. Tony Butera, Drama Club advisor. “It’s not every day that our students get to interact with Broadway professionals, and I know this experience will have a lasting impact on their passion for theater and their future aspirations.”

Ms. Dinarae Camarda, who also accompanied the students, echoed Mr. Butera’s sentiments. “This experience was truly inspiring,” she said. “It’s so important for our students to see the hard work and dedication that goes into a Broadway production, and even more valuable to hear directly from those who have made it to this level in their careers.”

The Drama Club students left the event filled with newfound inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the arts, eager to apply the insights they gained to their work on stage. For many of the students, this experience reaffirmed their passion for theater and set them on a path to pursue their own artistic dreams. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s Drama Club has long been committed to providing its students with opportunities to explore and develop their talents in the performing arts. This visit to Broadway is just one example of the school’s dedication to enriching students’ educational experiences and fostering a love for the arts.

 

 

Date Added: 11/12/2024

Max Quartararo, a violist in the eighth grade at Port Jefferson Middle School, was awarded a grand prize of $250 in the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York (MYO) 2024-2025 design contest. Max’s winning design will be showcased on the official MYO season t-shirt which will be worn by over 800 members, faculty, board, and staff, making it a significant part of the musical community.

Max, who performs with the MYO Youth Orchestra and the 7/8 Orchestra under the guidance of Dr. Vanessa Salzman, has demonstrated remarkable creativity and talent through his design. His work was expertly edited for optimal t-shirt printing and will also be featured on the front page of the MYO Suffolk digital concert program for concerts at the Staller Center.

 

Date Added: 11/6/2024