Farmingdale Students Perform at 21st Annual Day of Horn

On February 27, 2026, eight talented Farmingdale horn players participated in the 21st annual Day of Horn. Music teachers Erica Hartmann and Dr. Katie Duke accompanied the group to Longwood High School for the day-long event, which brought together approximately 100 student and professional musicians from across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Mentorship and Performance

The highlight of the 2025-2026 school year event was a masterclass and performance by guest artist Kevin Newton. A member of the Grammy-nominated Imani Winds, Kevin Newton is a professional hornist known for his work with the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Under his guidance, Farmingdale students gained technical insights and inspiration to help them refine their craft.

Farmingdale Participants

The following students represented the district at this year’s gathering:

• James Shapiro, Albany Avenue Elementary School
• 6th graders Cameron Chiu and McKayla Uzenski
• 7th graders Michael Borowski, Lucy Cutter, and Jared Martinez
• 8th graders George Guadagnino and Dominic Rolon Fischer

About the Event

Founded and organized by Alan Orloff, the Day of Horn provides a unique platform for local brass players to collaborate and perform. Our students had the opportunity to play alongside their peers and learn from industry professionals in a high-energy, educational environment.

The 100th day of school is a major milestone, marking the halfway point of an incredible year of learning and growth. It’s a special opportunity to celebrate just how much our students have accomplished since September. Across the district’s elementary schools, classrooms were filled with excitement as students created lists of 100 favorite things, counted and strung 100 beads, designed festive “100 Days” headbands, and took part in hands-on activities centered around the number 100. The biggest highlight? Students dressed up as 100-year-olds, imagining their future selves with plenty of creativity and laughs along the way.

Dalers of all ages throughout the district donned purple on Friday, February 13, 2026, to show their support for P.S. I Love You Day. This day shines a light on mental health and combating bullying. By introducing mental health education to students at an early age, discussions will become more open, enabling students to identify when they or others require assistance. Every second Friday of February, communities wear purple to promote kindness, create a welcoming atmosphere, and emphasize that mental health is as crucial as physical health.

The Farmingdale School District’s annual All-District Concert drew a full house to the Farmingdale High School Auditorium, where 371 student musicians in grades 5 through 12 took the stage. This year’s performance highlighted the Chorus, featuring students from all six schools, as part of the district’s tradition of rotating among Band, Strings, and Chorus each year. Families and community members gathered to celebrate the students’ musical growth from elementary through high school.

A Year of Preparation

“Our choral staff began preparing for this concert more than a year ago,” said Director of Fine and Performing Arts Greg Warnokowski. “I am deeply grateful for their dedication, the countless hours of preparation, and the unwavering commitment they showed to our students. Because of their hard work, our students were given a truly special musical experience they will carry with them for a lifetime.”

Performance Highlights

The evening featured a sequential showcase of talent:

• Elementary All-District Chorus, directed by Deanna Cupolo and Irene Smykowski
• Howitt Middle School Chorus, directed by Danielle Tucker and Eric Hulse
• Farmingdale High School Treble Chorus, directed by Joseph Franzino
• Farmingdale High School Mixed Chorus and Combined Chorus, directed by Jessica Mischke

For the Grand Finale, all 371 singers filled the stage. Conducted by Danielle Tucker, the combined group performed "This is Me" from The Greatest Showman.

A Message on the Power of Community

As the evening concluded with a powerful grand finale, Superintendent Paul Defendini left families with a heartfelt reminder of the program’s lasting value. “I encourage you to do everything you can to keep your child involved in our music program, because it’s so much more than a class — it’s a community. Through rehearsals, performances, and shared experiences, your children form meaningful connections that help guide them through middle school, high school, and beyond with confidence and a true sense of belonging.”

Looking Ahead

The All-District Concert is a cherished tradition that brings together the entire Farmingdale School District. While this year’s performance highlighted the Chorus, next year’s 2026–2027 All-District Concert will proudly feature the Strings ensemble.

Congratulations to our talented students and the following choral directors: Abigail Coacci, Deanna Cupolo, Emilie D’Andrilli, Joseph Franzino, Stephanie Haas, Eric Hulse, MiHee Hwang, Catherine McLoughlin, Jessica Mischke, Nicole Nappi, Irene Smykowski, and Danielle Tucker.

On January 29, 2026, Albany Avenue Elementary School held its third annual International Night. Organized by Emily DiSanto and the Shared Decision Making Team, this vibrant event invited students and their families to share and celebrate the diverse cultures that make up the school community.

Cultural Displays and Interactive Learning

The cafeteria was transformed into a global showcase. Families organized detailed displays featuring traditional clothing, historical information, and heritage artifacts. To encourage engagement, the event featured coloring pages representing each country, allowing students to learn about global symbols while exploring the room.

A Global Feast

The highlight of the event was the international food spread. Families prepared and shared traditional dishes, and the Shared Decision Making Team provided recipes next to each dish for families to take home. The evening was a significant success, fostering a sense of community as families learned about one another through food, art, and conversation.