The falling snow at Rockefeller Center added a touch of magic to the 52nd annual Tuba Christmas this past Sunday. Twenty-eight students from Howitt Middle School and Famringdale High School, along with alumni, gathered under the famous tree for a truly special performance.

They joined nearly 300 other musicians to fill the city air with beautiful holiday carols. The snowy backdrop transformed the afternoon into a cozy, unforgettable winter memory for everyone involved.

Teachers David Abrams and Erica Hartmann accompanied the students, who gathered for rehearsal just a few hours before the performance in the basement of Rockefeller Center.

Howitt Middle School participants included Stella Levenson, Ethan Ianotta, Dylan Nguyen, Matthew Alvarado, Tyler Brinkman, and Gianni Sparacio.

High school students included Dylan Moritz, Gabriel Winter, Earl Jones III, William Herbert, Nicholas Astuto, Isabella Salay, Chloe Grimes, Charlie Cartagena Caceres, Juan Bonilla, and Thomas Blaser.

Farmingdale alumni participants included Jayne Matzelle, Joe Geraci, Andrew Adamo, Gabe Ruiz, Aidan Timko, and Charlotte Rutkowski.

Congratulations to the following musicians on a spectacular performance

Holiday cheer filled the auditorium as Howitt Middle School hosted its spectacular final concert of the season on December 15.

The spotlight shone bright on the 6th Grade Chorus, who took the stage under the expert direction of Mr. Eric Hulse, with beautiful piano accompaniment provided by Mrs. Danielle Tucker. The audience was treated to a festive showcase featuring the combined talents of the Varsity, Mixed, and Lunch Choruses, all harmonizing perfectly to celebrate the season.

The district's winter concert series continued on Thursday, December 11, with two spectacular band performances at Howitt Middle School.

The evening began with the talented 6th Grade Band, which performed under the direction of Mrs. ToniAnn Taibi, with the assistance of Ms. Elena Scarano. Following the younger students, the Symphonic Band took the stage, directed by Mr. Philip Scanze. Finishing the night with outstanding precision and musicianship was the Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Mrs. Erica Hartmann.

We congratulate all of our student musicians and their dedicated directors for presenting an outstanding and memorable evening of music for the community.

Farmingdale’s Winter Concert series hit all the right notes on December 9th! It was an incredible evening showcasing the talent of our Howitt Middle School 7th and 8th-grade choruses. The Mixed Chorus, Girls Chorus, Chamber Chorus, and Lunch Chorus gave a stellar performance under the direction of Mrs. Danielle Tucker and accompanied by Mr. Phil Greco. Their beautiful music has officially gotten us into the holiday spirit!

Bravo to our students and staff!

On the morning of December 6, Farmingdale High School opened its doors for the annual Deck the Halls Holiday Breakfast. This beloved tradition fills bellies with delicious food and fills hearts with a sense of togetherness. The Farmingdale Council of PTAs ensures each year that the magic of the holidays reaches every corner of the community while reminding everyone of the power of kindness and generosity.

Elves worked their magic to turn the Farmingdale High School commons into a winter wonderland capable of melting even the Grinch's icy heart. The Deck the Halls celebration unfolded with a mouthwatering hot breakfast served by the Board of Education. A vibrant DJ entertained the families with cheerful holiday tunes while guests were invited to indulge in games and crafts. Tables adorned with raffle baskets lined the area while sizzling hot chocolate stations added to the festive atmosphere. Enchanting characters from Frozen, Charlie Brown, The Grinch, and the Polar Express wandered through the crowd to bring joy to all. The celebrations reached new levels of excitement when the legendary Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrived to captivate guests and pose for photographs.

Dozens of volunteers gathered to support the event. Theatre students from Farmingdale High School dressed in full costume to warmly welcome guests and pose for pictures. Enthusiastic National Honor Society members served as Santa’s helpers. These students guided young guests through various craft stations where they could make ornaments, reindeer food, and holiday cookies. Children also participated in an exciting elf scavenger hunt and dropped off their letters to Santa in a special mailbox.

The annual holiday breakfast acts as a charity event with 100% of the proceeds used to purchase holiday gifts for local families.

Yule Want to Watch This! All the Action from Deck the Halls, courtesy of Farmingdale High School junior Robert Herbst.