Long Beach Public Schools was presented with the Presidential Citation for Music Program of Excellence at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All State Conference in Rochester on Dec. 6.
The Presidential Citation Award is NYSSMA’s highest honor bestowed on K-12 districts for their support of and excellence in music education. This honor recognizes that the Long Beach music program is a model for music education programs in New York State, providing a well-rounded, comprehensive program at all levels.
“We are honored to be the recipients of the Presidential Citation Award,” said Julia Lang-Shapiro, Long Beach director of media, visual and performing arts. “This recognition is a result of the hard work of our faculty and the long-term commitment district leadership has made to music education.”
Several Long Beach music educators attended the conference, including Long Beach chorus and general music teacher Vanessa Krywe, representing elementary music educators; Long Beach Middle School Orchestra Director Dave Lobenstein, representing middle school music educators; and Long Beach High School Orchestra Director Sun Shin, representing high school music educators, as well as Dr. Janna Ostroff, Long Beach assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
Dr. Ostroff said, “We have an exceptional team of passionate, hardworking, and dedicated music educators, past and present, committed to outstanding musical education for the students of Long Beach.” Over the last 10 years, Long Beach has had hundreds of students have participated in the All-County Festivals, two dozen students in All State Ensembles, a dozen in All Eastern Honors Ensembles, and two students in the All-National Honors Ensembles. Ostroff continued, “We are incredibly thankful to NYSSMA for recognizing our music program and we are grateful to the other music organizations including Nassau Music Educators Association (NMEA) and National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for offering programs that are inclusive and attainable, giving our students opportunities to perform far beyond the four walls of their classrooms and school auditoriums—on stages across Long Island, New York State, and the country.”
Additionally, the district extends congratulations to Long Beach High School students Luke Morita, Stephania Robinson and Nate White who were selected to perform at this year’s conference.
Date Added: 12/20/2024