During the March 21 Board of Education meeting, 54 student-musicians in grades 5-8 were recognized by the district for their outstanding musical accomplishments during the school year. Director of Fine and Performing Arts Elizabeth O’Brien explained that March is Music in Our Schools Month and the district is extremely proud of the students’ accomplishments.
Tristan Aquino, a fifth grade violist at Woods Road Elementary School, was recognized for having been awarded a prestigious $500 SCMEA scholarship to be used solely for summer private instruction. His was one of 26 scholarships awarded to students in grades 5-12 countywide. Aquino was one of only three fifth graders to be awarded this highly competitive scholarship based on his student essay, school music teacher recommendation letter, NYSSMA level/rating and submission of supporting documentation.
Also recognized was Kevin Chicas who won the coveted 2024 Music Lovers Scholarship Competition after having performed two pieces at the annual concert, along with a professional accompanist.
Additionally, fifth and sixth grade students (Division 1), seventh and eighth grade students (Division 2) and ninth and 10th grade students (Division 3) were applauded for being selected to represent the district at the Suffolk County Educators’ All-County festivals at Huntington High School in March. Students were selected based on their participation in the New York State School Music Association’s solo festival and teacher recommendation.
Lastly, student-musicians who were selected to represent the district in the Long Island String Festival in January were also recognized. Students are chosen based on teacher recommendation and participation in the NYSSMA solo festival.
