It's midterms week at Farmingdale High School but senior Rebecca Kenjesky and freshman William Herbert graciously donated their free time to work with Northside teacher Nicole Nappi's music classes.

Students had a fantastic time learning about various jobs in musical theater, acting, and how music inspires specific emotions. Northside students even learned about the musical Pippin, where Rebecca and William were the leads this past November. Rebecca and William performed a duet, taught students a song and dance, and signed autographs.

"It's wonderful to have extraordinary Northside alumni come back to show the students what their futures could look like in the performing arts, said music teacher Nicole Nappi. "Thank you, Mr. Febbraro and Dr. Peterson, for allowing me to make this happen!"

Each year, the Nassau Music Educators Association (NMEA) selects the best student musicians from schools throughout the county to participate in its annual All-County Festival. Held in January at Long Island University’s Tilles Center in Brookville, this year’s festival featured 103 representatives from Farmingdale Schools! These talented musicians in grades 5-12 were chosen based on teachers’ nominations and their outstanding scores in the New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) 2022 Adjudication Festival. Farmingdale students participated in ensembles across five divisions: band, orchestra, chorus, jazz band, and jazz chorus.

These tremendous accomplishments would not be possible without the hard work and support of our music educators, who worked with our students for months to prepare for the festival.

Bump, set, spike! A school-wide volleyball tournament was held to celebrate the conclusion of the physical education volleyball unit. Students and staff cheered on the six teams gym teachers put together to compete, have fun and show off their newfound skills. All had a fantastic time, but Team Garcia ultimately won bragging rights.

When your district has been recognized year after year as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by The NAMM Foundation it comes as no surprise when student musicians continue to shine. Six stand-out seniors from Farmingdale High School have been selected for the prestigious All-Eastern Music Honors Ensembles. Recipients include Kiley Cacace, Gil Bitsimis, Robert Baldwin, Grace Lazicky, Rebecca Kenjesky, and Molly Keena.

“The music department at Farmingdale High School is so proud of our All-Eastern musicians,” said Mr. Greg Warnokowski, Director of Fine and Performing Arts. “This is an honor that comes after an incredible amount of hard work and dedication to their music studies.”

Gil Bitsimis, Kiley Cacace, and Rebecca Kenjesky were selected to perform with the Mixed Chorus. Molly Keena and Grace Lazicky will feature in the Treble Chorus. Robert Baldwin will perform with the Symphony Orchestra.

Farmingdale teachers who sponsored the musical efforts include Ms. Jessica Mischke, Chorus Director, and Orchestra Director, Ms. Thérèse Mannino.

The All-Eastern Honor Ensembles will take place in Rochester, NY, from April 13-16. The event will include keynote speakers, masterclasses with professional musicians, and college networking opportunities

All concerts will be held in person this holiday season! No ticket necessary to attend. Concerts will also be live-streamed, so family members and friends can view them from home. The links will be posted here shortly before the start of each performance.

• December 6, 2022 | HMS 6, 7, 8-grade Orchestra | 7 pm
• December 8, 2022 | HMS 7, 8-grade Chorus | 7 pm
• December 12, 2022 | AA Winter Concert | @ FHS | 7 pm
• December 13, 2022 | FHS String & Symphony Orchestra, & Symphonic Band | 7 pm
• December 14, 2022 | HMS 7, 8-grade Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Band | 7 pm
• December 15, 2022 | FHS Treble Chorus, Mixed Chorus, & Wind Ensemble | 7 pm
• December 20, 2022 | HMS 6-grade Band & Chorus | 7 pm
• December 21, 2022 | SEM Winter Concert | 7 pm
• December 21, 2022 | WWP Winter Concert | @ FHS | 7pm
• December, 22 2022 | NS Winter Concert | @ HMS | 7 pm