March was a month of vibrant expression, talent, and collaboration across the East Meadow School District as students and faculty celebrated Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM) and Youth Art Month with a series of inspiring events and performances.
What is Music In Our Schools Month?
Held every March, Music in Our Schools Month is a national celebration that recognizes the vital role music education plays in students’ lives. It’s a time to highlight the achievements of school music programs and showcase how music helps students grow both academically and socially.
What is Youth Art Month?
Youth Art Month is a nationwide observance that emphasizes the importance of visual arts education for all students. It celebrates the creativity of young artists and the integral role art plays in shaping well-rounded learners.
Districtwide Music Highlights
East Meadow High School
East Meadow High School turned every Friday into a musical celebration as students were greeted by live performances from ensembles like the String Ensemble, Jazz Combo, and Steel Band, setting an uplifting tone for the school day.
The District Music Festival brought together Ms. Schick’s Chamber Choir and Clarke’s Chamber Singers in a collaborative performance at the Tilles Center, led by guest conductor Mrs. Shoshana Hershkowitz.
Senior Judah Baroukh joined Clarke’s Ava Giannitelli and Charlotte Huang in Syracuse to perform with the NYSBDA Jazz Ensemble — an honor reserved for top student musicians in the state.
The EMHS Jazz Combo, The Basement Blues, performed at the All-County Art Exhibit, bridging the district’s celebration of both music and visual arts.
This year’s musical production, “Pippin”, was a huge success, showcasing the talent of students on stage and in the orchestra pit, with previews enjoyed by Woodland students and local seniors.
Students capped off their celebrations with a trip to see “Wicked” on Broadway, followed by a dance party cruise along the Hudson—an unforgettable musical experience that highlighted connections between “Wicked” and “Pippin,” both composed by Stephen Schwartz.
EMHS percussionists Michael Bodzin and Emily Davidson represented the district at Hofstra University’s Day of Percussion, performing NYSSMA All-State solos under intense mock audition conditions.
Woodland Middle School
Woodland kept the music going all month with spirited performances and educational opportunities:
Sixth grade chorus students collaborated with Clarke MS at the District Music Festival, rehearsing under guest conductor Jack Zaino at the Tilles Center. Woodland drama students enjoyed a special trip to EMHS for a preview of “Pippin”, followed by an engaging Q&A session with the production team. More than 130 students were inducted into the Junior Tri-M Music Honor Society, recognizing academic and musical excellence, as well as community service.
Students showcased their love of music with themed spirit days and lobby performances every Friday morning. More than 200 students participated in the local NYSSMA Festival.
Clarke Middle & High School
Clarke brought energy and excitement to MIOSM with:
- A fun and engaging Spirit Week, complete with themed dress-up days.
- A special assembly featuring recording artist Nick Tangorra, who shared his musical journey and inspired students to pursue their passions.
- A spirited morning performance from the cast of High School Musical Jr.
- A heartfelt send-off concert by the High School Chamber Orchestra before their trip to Atlanta, showcasing their skill and enthusiasm.
Elementary School Buildings
This past March marked the 40th annual Music in Our Schools Month, and with it came our second annual Music March Madness bracket at Barnum Woods! This year’s bracket featured exciting matchups, with 80’s pop bops facing off against big band jazz, and Broadway stunners going head-to-head with classical powerhouses.
Throughout the month, students, staff, and families voted weekly for their favorites, revisited nostalgic tunes, and celebrated the powerful role music plays in all our lives. As an added bonus, students used the bracket data in their math lessons, making it a truly cross-curricular experience.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this musical celebration such a fun and memorable part of Music in Our Schools Month!
Bowling Green, McVey & Parkway
To help students celebrate Music in Our Schools Month, schools across the district participated in music-themed spirit weeks! Each day featured fun dress-up themes that encouraged students to recognize and honor different genres, musicians, and musical eras. From dressing like their favorite artists to showcasing band tees and musical accessories, the halls were filled with creativity, school spirit, and a love for all things music. These spirit weeks not only brought excitement to the month but also sparked conversations about the diverse world of music and its impact on our lives.
Meadowbrook
As part of the March celebrations for Music In Our Schools Month, students at Meadowbrook Elementary took to the stage with a heartwarming and energetic performance of “The Lion King.” This beloved musical not only showcased the students’ growing talents in singing, acting, and dancing—it also brought to life powerful themes that align beautifully with the spirit of MIOSM.
At its core, “The Lion King” explores messages of identity, courage, resilience, and community—values that music education helps instill in young learners. Through their roles, students developed confidence, empathy, and teamwork, learning that every voice matters in creating something bigger than themselves.
Districtwide Art Highlights
Art took center stage in March with powerful displays of creativity and student achievement throughout the district.
- EMHS National Art Honor Society students painted stunning scenery for Meadowbrook Elementary’s Lion King production, connecting young learners through the arts.
- At Clarke High School, Ms. Arcuri’s students displayed an immersive Op Art chair installation, part of a Digital Art and Multimedia project.
- EMHS Studio Art 1 students created vibrant pointillism landscapes, exploring Impressionist techniques and color theory.
- The All-County Art Exhibition featured work from 75 East Meadow students, with seniors Ethan Frances (EMHS) and Mandeep Kaur (WTCHS) earning scholarships.
- Students visited the Nassau County Museum of Art to explore the Deco at 100 exhibition, enhancing their appreciation for art history and design.
- At WTCHS, Ms. Delsignore collaborated with science teachers to present a cross-curricular Bio Art lesson, blending microscopic imagery with abstraction.
- The NAHS Induction Ceremony welcomed new members at EMHS, with Principal Mr. Richard Howard delivering an inspiring keynote.
- Several students exhibited artwork at the GoApe Exhibit, with a celebratory reception on March 22.
- Woodland students designed a banner for the Party for Autism, one of nine being created for a district-wide awareness initiative.
- EMHS Creative Crafts 2 students explored ceramics by using the pottery wheel, embracing hands-on artistic expression.
- EMHS and WTCHS students were accepted into the prestigious Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at The Heckscher Museum. Congratulations to Alexander Benfield (who also received the Renzo & Lynette Bianchi Scholarship), Antonia Pribanic, and Julia Lee!
A Month to Remember
From morning melodies to gallery showcases, March was a shining example of the East Meadow School District’s commitment to the arts. Through Music in Our Schools Month and Youth Art Month, students not only honed their craft but also shared their passion and talent with the entire community.
Bravo to all of our student artists, musicians, teachers, and staff who made this month such a resounding success! Let the music and creativity continue! Don’t miss this high-energy performance as our talented cast brings the magic of “High School Musical Jr.” to life! We can’t wait to see you there!
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