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