Comprehensive Arts

Long Beach, NY has been named
one of the Best Communities for
Music Education in America for 2013

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District Art Show Receives Rave Reviews

The commons area of Long Beach High School was transformed into an art gallery for Long Beach’s annual District Art Show on May 17-18. The exhibit filled the newly renovated lobby and continued through the upper commons area. This provided visitors with a fitting venue to enjoy the exhibit, which included more than 700 paintings, photographs, prints, three-dimensional pieces, ceramics, graphic art pieces, drawings and fashion designs, all created by students in grades K-12. A number of pieces by high school students that have won awards at juried art shows around the county were on display, along with works created by the district’s 33 All-County artists.

Freshman Sean Donlon opened the festivities on Friday evening with a contemporary guitar performance, setting a festive mood for visitors as they viewed the artwork.

Jazz Night

Jazz in many forms, from the Big Band era to more contemporary numbers, was interpreted in all its smooth, cool and smoking hot glory when the Long Beach High School music department hosted its annual Jazz Night. Student performers from the middle school jazz band, high school lab jazz band, high school select choir and high school jazz ensemble filled the auditorium with the music of Duke Ellington, Herbie Hancock, Irving Berlin, Chuck Mangione and other jazz greats. Mike Carubia, who is a well-known jazz performer and composer also worked with the jazz ensemble, who performed his “Buffalo Wings” as one of their featured numbers. At Jazz Night, Carubia made a surprise appearance on stage to perform with the jazz ensemble for a lively rendition of Chuck Mangione’s “Feels So Good,” with Carubia and senior Jesse Klirsfeld as the featured soloists. Many of the evening’s selections, including “Feels So Good,” featured improvisational solo performances that highlighted the depth of the students’ understanding of this classic American musical art form. As another added surprise, seniors Russell Goetz, Jesse Klirsfeld, Matthew Birnbaum and teacher Michael Capobianco performed together in a melodic rendition of “My Funny Valentine.”

At an opening reception, the high school commons area was transformed into a cozy lounge. Hors d'oeuvres prepared by students in Scott Brecher’s home and careers class were passed around to guests. Members of Friends of the Arts were on hand to welcome guests, and National Honor Society members volunteered their time as ushers.

During a brief intermission, Friends of the Arts gave away raffle prizes and Long Beach’s own Halftime Howie and friend Benior presented a check for $1,500 to the Friends of the Arts Sponsor a Marching Marine program. Halftime Howie also sponsored a tuxedo giveaway for 30 lucky seniors.

Director of Comprehensive Arts Dr. Dale Johanson served as the master of ceremonies for the evening. Marino Bragino, III directed the High School Jazz Ensemble. He was joined by fellow directors Elizabeth Altbacker (Middle School Jazz Band), Michael Capobianco (Select Choir) and Zachary Rifkin (Lab Jazz Band)

“Jazz Night was an amazing success,” said Mr. Bragino. “Working with Mike Carubia gave my students, as well as the audience, a unique opportunity to further expand their appreciation and understanding of jazz. Thanks to all who helped make this event such a success."

Art Honor Society Has Heart

Members of the Long Beach High School National Art Honor Society visited Lindell School in Long Beach to help students paint ceramic hearts for Mother’s Day gifts. During a previous visit to the school, the NAHS members helped the Lindell students make the hearts. The hearts were brought back to Lindell after they were fired so that the younger students could put the finishing touches on their creations in time for Mother’s Day. With guidance from the NAHS members, the Lindell students painted the hearts with watercolors and finished them with a protective glaze.

“The younger students were thrilled to have the high school students help them with their creations,” said NAHS faculty adviser Sue Presberg. “The high school students were equally thrilled to work with the younger children and visit with their past teachers.”

High School Art Awards

Heckscher Museum’s Best Young Artists Exhibit – The artwork of Long Beach High School students Laura Capozzi, Dan Chen and Caroline Obed was selected for the Heckscher Museum’s Best Young Artists exhibit.

All-County Art Scholarship – Long Beach High School senior Natalia Podboraczynska was singled out to receive a scholarship award at the All-County Art Exhibition. She was one of 33 students from around the district whose work was chosen for this exhibition. The All-County Art Exhibition and Scholarship Program are sponsored by the Art Supervisors Association to showcase and support the creativity, talent and skill of student-artists.

NCC Arts and Science Competition – Three Long Beach High School artists won awards at the Nassau Community College Arts and Science Competition. Dan Chen won an award of excellence for ceramics, Laura Capozzi received an award of excellence for photography and Ellie Cho earned honorable mention for drawing.

Students Rock at Boardwalk Ceremony

Three talented Long Beach Public School musicians shared the stage with Joan Jett, as they performed at the City of Long Beach boardwalk groundbreaking ceremony on April 27. Pictured (l to r): Long Beach Middle School seventh-graders Andrew Buskey and Troy Morris who did a saxophone and guitar duet, Joan Jett, District Director of Comprehensive Arts Dr. Dale Johanson and Long Beach High School senior Jesse Klirsfeld, who performed the “Star Spangled Banner” at the opening of the ceremony.

LBHS Music Honor Society Inducts New Members

The Long Beach High School Chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society welcomed 18 new members this year. At the ceremony, officiated by Long Beach Tri-M officers Jesse Klirsfeld, Jennifer Nash, Shannon Romig, Paula Servellon, and Rachel Weiss and Tri-M faculty adviser Felicia Wilson, new members were inducted into this international honor society that recognizes students for their academic and musical achievements.

The evening program also included several musical performances by Tri-M members. Dana Berman and Alexandra Gruber performed a violin duet, Rachel Barkan sang “O del mil dolce ardor,” and Joseph Keiserman presented a vocal rendition of “Angel Eyes,” while Klirsfeld played “There Will Never Be Another You” on the trumpet. The wind ensemble and string quartet also performed.

Honorary lifetime memberships were bestowed on Long Beach High School Vice Principal John Emmons, East School music teacher Michele Bennett, and parents Bari Klirsfeld and Maureen Romig. Each honoree was acknowledged for the vital role he or she plays in supporting music education in Long Beach Public Schools.

The main goal of Tri-M is to inspire students to excel at music, leadership, character, academic achievement and service. Members act as goodwill ambassadors, performing at local nursing homes, school events and community functions. They also assist younger students in preparation for their NYSSMA solo evaluation performances.

All-County Artists

A total of 33 Long Beach Public School students in grades K-12 participated in the Art Supervisors Association of Nassau County 2013 Nassau All-County Art Exhibition, which took place at the Ruth S. Harley Center at Adelphi University on March 17. They were among a group of well more than 1,100 K-12 students who have demonstrated excellence in a wide variety of two-dimensional visual art forms, including drawing, painting, printmaking, computer graphics and photography.

Student entries were selected by art educators, who ensured that all of the exemplary pieces were produced in alignment with the New York State Learning Standards for the Visual Arts. This year, over 400 art educators from more than 200 schools in 45 Nassau County school districts submitted artwork for this prestigious exhibit.

Long Beach High School student Natalia Podboraczynska was one of 40 graduating seniors to receive a scholarship award from the Art Supervisors Association in a special ceremony prior to the opening of the exhibit.

Composer Visits LBMS Orchestra

The Long Beach Middle School chamber orchestra has commissioned a new piece of music composed especially for them. As part of this project, the composer, John Caponegro, visited the middle school to work with the students and their teacher David Lobenstein during a special session on April 10.

“Mr. Caponegro is a renowned composer of orchestral music,” said Lobenstein, “His pieces are performed worldwide. This will be a unique educational experience for all students involved.”

The piece, which is titled “Shadows Across the Moon,” will be performed at the spring concert on May 16 at the middle school.

Fender Donates Instruments to LBHS

The Fender Music Foundation donated five electric guitars, two electric basses, a guitar amplifier and various other items to Long Beach High School. The Fender Music Foundation is a public nonprofit organization funded by people who want to strengthen the state of music education, people who believe music is an integral part of society and want to make music more accessible to everyone. For more information, visit www.fendermusicfoundation.org.

This generous donation was arranged through the efforts of members of the newly formed non-profit, Friends of the Arts LBSD INC, who were able to establish a relationship with the Fender Music Foundation.

In addition, Friends of the Arts President Bari Klirsfeld and her committee have reached out to several other music organizations that have responded in a very generous manor for Long Beach Public Schools. Friends of the Arts is also working to replace the Marching Marine uniforms that were damaged or destroyed in students’ homes during Superstorm Sandy. Please visit www.friendsoftheartslbsd.org to make donations.

‘Footloose’ Rocks the House

Undeterred by setbacks caused by Superstorm Sandy, the Long Beach High School theater department was proud to present a musical production of “Footloose” on April 18-20. Although the storm delayed the opening of the show from February to April, it did not dampen the spirits of the young actors who showed amazing energy and jubilance despite the hardships many had faced in recent months. This tale of some courageous teens who revitalize the spirit of their town by rebelling against an oppressive ban against dancing provided an uplifting evening of entertainment for a community struggling to return to normalcy in the aftermath of Sandy.

As the show opens, Ren McCormack (played by Joseph Keiserman) and his mother Ethel (Kelly Vargas) are bidding farewell to their native Chicago. After Ren’s father walks out on them, they are forced to live with relatives in the town of Beaumont — a place no one in Chicago has ever heard of.

Thinking at first that he might find solace in small-town life, Ren finds himself at odds with the repressive atmosphere of the town, and especially at odds with the local minister, Reverend Moore (Russell Goetz). The good reverend, who wields considerable influence over his flock, had convinced the town to impose a ban on dancing after his own son and three other Beaumont teens were tragically killed in a car accident five years ago on their way home from a dance.

Complicating life even further for Ren is a budding relationship with Reverend Moore’s headstrong and rebellious daughter Ariel (Alexandra Brodsky). Not only does Ren’s friendship with Ariel further set the reverend against him, but it also pits him against Ariel’s rough-and-tumble boyfriend Chuck Cranston (Christian Musto), who vows to take him down.

It seems that the only friends he has made in Beaumont are Willard Hewitt (Max Tunney) and Mrs. Moore (Annie Gloeggler), who does her best to convince her husband that Ren is not the troublemaker that Reverend Moore makes him out to be.

As Ren tries to adjust to his new life in Beaumont, he becomes increasingly frustrated with the oppressive atmosphere of the town and takes Ariel, Willard and their friends to a dance hall outside of town, where they all cut loose. Inspired by the enthusiasm he has reawakened in his new friends, Ren tries to petition the town council to lift the ban on dancing, but his petition is denied.

After Ren later learns that the vote was rigged by Reverend Moore, he decides to pay the reverend a visit to try to convince him to open his heart and let go of the overshadowing pain that he has been harboring since his son’s death. After realizing how much misery he has been causing his town by holding so tightly to his own grief, the reverend finally announces that he thinks a dance might be a good idea — and “Everybody Cuts Footloose.”

Their final musical performance marked a bittersweet moment for seniors Russell and Joseph, who have been sharing the Long Beach High School stage in various roles since freshman year. This show proved to be the most dramatically challenging for both young men, as they channeled the angst and pain of loss through their characters. This was the second time that Alexandra and Christian were paired romantically on the stage, although the roles both young actors played this year were much more serious than their comedic turn in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” After delivering a standout performance in the fall production of “The Odd Couple,” Max Tunney once again showed his comedic talent in his portrayal of the goofy but loveable Willard. Katherine Murphy, Kayla McAvoy and Anna Falvey, who played Ariel’s friends Rusty, Urleen and Wendy Jo, respectively, showed equal skill in their well-delivered comedic lines and melodic vocals, including a standout performance of “Let’s Hear It for the Boy.” Kelly and Annie, as the two loving mothers, also blended beautifully in a duet titled “Learning to Be Silent.” The entire cast’s outstanding vocals and energetic dancing combined with rocking orchestral accompaniment brought audiences to their feet for curtain calls each night.

The show was directed by Christie Holub, in her first Long Beach musical, with Russell Goetz taking on the role of student director. Marino Bragino III led the smoking hot pit orchestra and Michael Capobianco brought the vocals to perfection as musical director. Marcus Quiroga once again dazzled with his creative and energetic choreography, and stage manager Taylor Barje and her crew deftly handled all the scene changes. Eric Krywe was the technical director and Kenneth Horgan was in charge of scenic design.

‘Les Miz’ Sing for Long Beach

Great Neck North High School joined forces with Long Beach High School for a fund-raising concert featuring the songs from “Les Misérables” to benefit the Long Beach Public Schools Comprehensive Arts Department, which suffered huge losses of equipment, musical scores, pianos, and rehearsal rooms as a result of Superstorm Sandy.

Coming together on March 23 in the North High School auditorium was a combined chorus of some 125 voices made up of North High’s Jazz Choir, the Long Beach High School Select Choir and Great Neck North High alumni, some of whom performed in North’s production of Les Misérables last year. Solos were performed by members of the Jazz Choir and numerous alumni. Audience members were not just viewers at this special event—they were invited to sing along on selected pieces.

The singers rehearsed together the afternoon of March 23. The North High Music Boosters provided dinner prior to the concert.

Great Neck North High School composer in residence Roger Ames and English teacher Jeffrey Gilden coordinated the event, with Dr. Janine Robinson, choral director, and parent Jeff Blye assisting on keyboards. Long Beach Director of Comprehensive Arts Dr. Dale Johanson and music teacher Michael Capobianco worked hand in hand with them to organize this cooperative endeavor between the two schools.

The idea to do a fund-raiser for Long Beach grew out of a desire by North High music students to help their fellow musicians. It began with the Jazz Choir donating the money they usually raise to cover the cost of their annual trip to perform at Disney World. Under the guidance of fine and performing arts department chair Neil Saggerson and Mr. Ames, the idea took off.

Albion CSD Helps Long Beach

A Music Department Faculty Recital hosted by the Albion Central School District in Albion, N.Y. raised over $2,200 to benefit the Long Beach Public Schools Music Department. Albion's Director of Bands Mike Thaine, a college friend of Long Beach Middle School orchestra teacher David Lobenstein, contacted Mr. Lobenstein in an effort to direct funds to Long Beach's music department in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

“They have kids – just like we do – who eat, sleep and breathe music,” Mr. Thaine said. “Those kids went from playing, practicing and making music every day to nothing. And many of those same students’ homes were heavily damaged or destroyed, so there’s misfortune on so many different levels for them. In the midst of this chaos, music could have been their stability, their rock, but they didn’t even have that anymore.”

Music Rising Grant

Thanks to generous funding from Music Rising, the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation has been able to donate $18,430 worth of instruments to Long Beach Middle School to assist with the school's rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The donation included one 88-key digital keyboard, two baritones, two violas, one double French horn, one 3/4 tuba and two alto saxophones.

“Our hearts go out to all of you in the Long Beach community as you heal from this tragic disaster,” said Tricia Steel, program director of the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. “We hope the donated instruments will help get the music program back on its feet so that students can once again enjoy the tremendous benefits of music education.”

‘Beauty and the Beast’

Undeterred by the obstacles thrown in their way by Superstorm Sandy, Long Beach Middle School students came together in a spirit of community to bring Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” magically to life, just a few months after the originally scheduled date. Based on the classic French fairy tale, the musical tells the story of Belle, an intelligent young woman who longs to escape from her provincial French village, and the Beast, a once-handsome prince who longs to escape from the imprisonment of his monstrous body. Thrown together in the Beast’s enchanted castle, they learn to look beyond appearances to discover that true love has the power to free them both.

The show was directed by Jean-Marie Marciano, with Lauren Diesu acting as assistant director. Scott Powers was the stage manager. Choreography was directed by Marciano and Jesse Scott. Brian Pross and Laura Swan were in charge of set construction. Tatiana Ramos was the prop master and Alexis Robinson handled lighting.

2013 Best Community for Music Education

The Long Beach School District was one of 307 school districts across the country and 14 in Nassau County to be recognized as a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. On March 18 the NAMM Foundation announced the results of its 14th annual Best Communities for Music Education survey, which acknowledges schools and districts across the U.S. for their commitment to and support for music education in schools. This is the third year in a row that the Long Beach City School District has earned this distinction.

According to NAMM, the Best Communities designation recognizes collaborative, from-the-ground-up efforts of teachers, administrators, students and parents who continually work to keep comprehensive music education as an integral part of the core curriculum. The BCME survey is a nationwide search for communities whose programs exemplify a strong commitment to music education. Established in 1999, BCME recognizes and celebrates schools, their administrators, teachers, board members, parents and students for their support of music education and their efforts to ensure access to all students as part of the core curriculum.

The BCME program requires each school and district to detail funding, staffing, commitment to standards and access to music instruction. Responses are meticulously reviewed by researchers at The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, Kansas (an affiliate of the University of Kansas) and the NAMM Foundation to calculate the designated districts and awarded schools.

More than 1,600 students participate in the Long Beach School District’s 36 bands, orchestras and choral ensembles. Students in grades 5-12 participate in All-State, All-County, LISFA and NYSSMA festivals. One All-Eastern, two All-State and 53 All-County musicians were named in 2012-13. Eight were chosen to perform at the Long Island String Festival. The high school’s marching band participates every year in the Newsday Marching Band Festival held at Hofstra University. This year the marching band was invited to perform at the New York City Columbus Day Parade. Long Beach High School is one of only a handful of schools on Long Island that offers a guitar class as part of its arts curriculum, and the only guitar program in which students present a multi-act stage show at the end of the year. School groups also perform at various venues throughout Long Beach as a service to the community. The high school gives talented music students the opportunity to join the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Members tutor younger musicians and perform community outreach work.

“This three-time honor is a well-deserved recognition that our community, district leaders, teachers and parents believe in music education and are assuring that it is part of a complete education for children in our schools,” said Dr. Dale Johanson, the district’s director of comprehensive arts. “It holds us up as an example of community support and commitment to music education.”

A copy of the survey can be downloaded for review at www.nammfoundation.org.

Project Noise Documentary

Long Beach Middle school music teacher Elizabeth Altbacker was featured in a short film made by an organization called Project Noise. The film chronicled the story of how Altbacker’s personal and professional life was turned upside down by Superstorm Sandy. Undeterred, she pushed ahead in stride to give her students a chance to make music and heal. The filmmakers visited her school and her home, interviewed her, spoke with students, and toured the City of Long Beach to see firsthand the effects of the storm and how Altbacker and her students are coping with life after Sandy.

“I went to the middle school the day after the storm,” said Altbacker. “There was mud everywhere, and so many of the instruments were ruined. I went to school here myself and I have been teaching here for 18 years. I remember when all these instruments were purchased. After the storm, I wrote to every music company I could think of and reached out to former students. I knew that I had to do whatever it took to put instruments in my kids’ hands again.”

One of the companies that came through for Altbacker was Fender, who donated 24 instruments to the school. Fender contacted Project Noise to make this documentary to promote their donation and make other companies aware of the need to donate.

Project Noise is a nonprofit that creates videos and media campaigns at no or low cost to organizations working to better the world, with the goal of amplifying the impact of nonprofits and raising awareness about critical social issues.

LBHS Musical: April 18-20

Polish up your dancing shoes and get ready to shake up the town as the Long Beach High School Theater Department presents “Footloose” on April 18-20 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Tickets are $10. For tickets, call 516-897-6500.

‘Les Miz’ Sing for Long Beach: March 23, 7:30 p.m.

Great Neck North High School will be hosting a fund-raising concert featuring the songs from Les Misérables to benefit the Long Beach Public Schools Comprehensive Arts Department on Saturday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m., in the North High auditorium, 35 Polo Road, Great Neck. There will be open seating. Doors will open at 7 p.m. The benefit concert will help the Long Beach Public Schools Music Department recover from huge losses of equipment, musical scores, pianos, and rehearsal rooms as a result of Superstorm Sandy.

Performing the glorious music from Les Miz will be a combined chorus of some 125 voices made up of North High’s Jazz Choir, the Long Beach High School Select Choir (Michael Capobianco, director of choral music), and Great Neck North High alumni, some of whom performed in North’s production of Les Misérables last year. Solos will be performed by members of the Jazz Choir and numerous alumni.

The audience will not just be viewers at this special event—they will be invited to sing along on selected pieces. Printed lyrics will be provided in the program.

At North High, Roger Ames, composer in residence, and English teacher Jeffrey Gilden will be coordinating the event, with Dr. Janine Robinson, choral director, and parent Jeff Blye assisting on keyboards.

The idea to do a fund-raiser for Long Beach grew out of a desire by North High music students to help their fellow musicians. It began with the Jazz Choir donating the money they usually raise to cover the cost of their annual trip to perform at Disney World. Under the guidance of fine and performing arts department chair Neil Saggerson and Mr. Ames, the concert began to take shape.

The singers from North High and Long Beach will rehearse the afternoon of March 23, with the North High Music Boosters (a parent organization) providing dinner prior to the concert.

The suggested donation for tickets at the door is $10 for adults and $5 for students. For those unable to attend the concert, but wishing to contribute to Long Beach’s Fine and Performing Arts Department, checks, made out to “North High School Extra Activity Fund,” may be mailed to Neil Sagggerson, North High School, 35 Polo Road, Great Neck, NY 11023.

For more information, please contact Mr. Saggerson at nsaggerson@greatneck.k12.ny.us.

All County Art Show

Thirty-three Long Beach School District students' artwork will be displayed at the Art Supervisors Association All County Art Exhibition which will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2013, from 12 noon to 4:00 PM at Adelphi University's Ruth S. Harley University Center in Garden City.

Click here for more information

Tri-M Entertains at Komanoff Center

String students from the Long Beach High School Tri-M Music Honor Society played at the Komanoff Center for Geriatric and Rehabilitative Medicine at the Long Beach Medical Center on Feb. 10. Tri-M Community Service Vice President Shannon Romig organized the event. The performers were (l to r): Paola Servellon and Jennifer Nash on violin, Brandan Persaud on viola and Shannon Romig on cello.

“Herricks Idol” Benefits Long Beach Music Program

After seeing the devastation wrought by Superstorm Sandy, the Herricks High School music department reached out to Long Beach Middle School, a neighbor school on the south shore of Long Island, to help the Long Beach School District music department replace instruments ruined by flooding. To raise money for this worthy cause, Herricks High School students hosted a “Herricks Idol” contest. The show was a complete sellout, with the proceeds, totaling $2,500, going to Long Beach’s music department. Long Beach music teachers Dave Lobenstein and Doug Renoud were invited to judge the contest.

In addition, Herricks High School Music Department, Tri-M Music Honor Society and Herricks Music Boosters organized a community instrument drive, collecting over a dozen instruments and other music supplies for donation to Long Beach Schools.

“We extend our thanks to Anissa Arnold, director of music and performing arts of the Herricks School District, who helped organize this wonderful event to help with our recovery efforts,” said Dr. Dale Johanson, the Long Beach School District director of comprehensive arts. “We are also very grateful to the Herricks Tri-M Music Honor Society and the Herricks Community for their efforts to help us replace so many lost instruments.”

Art Students Have Heart

Members of the Long Beach High School National Art Honor Society paid a visit to Lindell School for a Valentine’s Day community service project. Working with third-graders in Jennifer Diamond’s class and fourth-graders in Sara Mayo's class, the high school students showed the younger students how to create and decorate ceramic hearts. The NAHS members hope to return in a few weeks after the hearts have been fired in the kiln to demonstrate how to add color to their finished products.

“Everyone had a great time,” said art teacher and NAHS adviser Sue Presberg. “It was a terrific experience for both sets of students.”

All-County and LISFA Honors

A total of 53 Long Beach students in grades 5-12 qualified to perform in the New York State School Music Association All-County Festival from Jan. 13-20. They joined a select group of musicians from all over Nassau County for a gala concert series at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts featuring select band, chorus, orchestra, vocal jazz and jazz band performances. Hundreds of students auditioned for this honor at the NYSSMA Solo Evaluation Festivals held last spring.

There were 20 Long Beach High School students, 18 Long Beach Middle School students and 15 elementary students from around the district who participated in a variety of performances at the festival over the course of two weekends. For a complete list of the All-County participants, visit www.lbeach.org.

An additional eight string musicians were selected to take part in Long Island String Festival Association concerts. They were recognized by LISFA as representing the highest quality string musicians at their grade levels. Superstorm Sandy forced the cancellation of the secondary concerts in November, but the elementary concerts should go on as scheduled on Feb. 10. Those chosen for the secondary concerts were Dana Berman, Alexandra Gruber and Jonathan Kapilian. Elementary concert participants were Jack Cruse-Mulhall, Claire Ezratty, Sydney Hoffman, Jack Libasci and Ally McHale.

The Long Beach City School District was recognized as a 2011 and 2012 Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation, which acknowledges schools and districts across the U.S. for their commitment to and support for music education in schools.

Violin Donation for LBMS

A group of five Long Beach Middle School music students who lost violins in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy received a welcome surprise when Leonora Knight and the Piscano family donated five Carlo Robelli violins and five $25 Sam Ash gift cards to the district to replace the lost instruments. Knight, who is a graduate of Long Beach High School and a former classmate of Long Beach band teacher Doug Renoud, was happy to help when she heard about the loss. Knight made a special trip to Long Beach Middle School to deliver the instruments and meet the students who will be benefiting from her family’s generosity.

LBHS Presents “The Odd Couple”

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, the Long Beach High School theater department gave new meaning to the phrase “The show must go on!” When the storm swept through Long Beach in the last days of October, it left a swath of destruction in its path, closing Long Beach Public Schools for an unprecedented two weeks. It looked at first like their production of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple,” which was originally scheduled for Nov. 15-17, might be one more casualty of the storm. But the theater department was able to regroup to reschedule the production on Jan. 10-12, giving the Long Beach community a welcome dose of laughter and entertainment to relieve the post-Sandy stress. In acknowledgment of the recent passing of Jack Klugman, who played Oscar in the popular TV version of “The Odd Couple,” the students dedicated this production to his memory.

Four decades after its 1965 Broadway debut, this classic comedy of a slob and a fussbudget who try to live together "without driving each other crazy" still carries the same punch. The curtain opens as Oscar Madison, played by Russell Goetz, holds his weekly poker game with buddies Murray (Christian Musto), Roy (Victor Tarantino), Speed (Max Tunney) and Vinnie (Matthew Mowery). With the living room strewn with debris, cigar smoke filling the air and nothing but stale moldy sandwiches to eat, Oscar admits that since his divorce from Blanche, he has been feeling a domestic void in his life. Enter Felix, played by Joseph Keiserman, who has become dramatically pseudo-suicidal upon finding that his wife Frances has thrown him out for being too much of a perfectionist. After talking Felix down from his ledge of hysteria, Oscar offers what he thinks is a perfect solution to both their dilemmas — he invites Felix to move in with him.

As Act Two opens, it is apparent that the two divorcees have already started getting on each other’s nerves. As they prepare to entertain Cecily and Gwendolyn Pigeon (Anna Falvey and Alexandra Kapilian) — two fun-loving British women from their apartment building — Oscar arrives late, the roast is burned to a crisp and Felix is feeling maudlin and sentimental about his failed marriage. The lighthearted and giggly sisters, who arrive ready to be entertained, are quickly reduced to tears as Felix shows them pictures of Frances and the children. Oscar, who has reached his limit, finally asks Felix to pack his bags and get out. As the next scene opens, Oscar and his buddies are once again gathered around the poker table lamenting the loss of their good friend Felix. But all is not lost, for in the end, Cecily and Gwendolyn, who find Felix charmingly irresistible, invite him to come live with them. The curtain closes before we learn if Felix manages to drive them crazy also.

Joseph and Russell, who have shared the stage together in more than a half dozen productions, channeled the slob and the fussbudget with perfect balance. Christian, Matt, Max and Victor made everyone believe that they grew up playing poker in one of the outer boroughs. And just when you thought you couldn’t take any more of Oscar and Felix’s bickering, Anna and Alexandra burst into the room like a fragrant breath of springtime.

The show was directed by Vanessa Krywe and Christie Holub. Russell Goetz was the student director. Eric Krywe offered his talents as the technical director. Kenneth Horgan was in charge of set design and lighting, with Bryan Tripptree serving as lighting assistant. Taylor Barje served as the stage manager.

Lido/Lindell Winter Concert

This year, students at Lindell and Lido elementary schools joined forces to present a joint winter concert, singing and dancing to traditional and modern holiday tunes.

Both school populations had been joined together at Lindell School since Hurricane Sandy caused the temporary closure of Lido School. Although the circumstances that teachers and students found themselves in were not always ideal, they used these extraordinary circumstances as an opportunity to participate in many joint learning opportunities.

“Everyone had a jolly, jubilant time,” said Lindell Principal Karen Sauter. “This concert was a fantastic way to share the holidays with our new friends.”

“We are also happy to see that through this shared adventure, many Lindell and Lido students have formed new friendships along the way,” added Lido Principal Brenda Young.

High School Winter Concert

The Long Beach High School Winter Concert, featuring performances from the orchestra, chamber orchestra, men’s choir, select choir and chorus, went off as originally scheduled in spite of the disruptions caused by Superstorm Sandy.

Under the baton of Felicia Wilson, the chamber orchestra opened the show with four pieces, including the holiday traditional “Ukrainian Carol.” Following was the men’s choir, conducted by Michael Capobianco, who harmonized on the Billy Joel doo-wop classic “The Longest Time.” Mr. Capobianco remained on stage to conduct the select choir through a pair of winter-themed chestnuts, including Frank Loesser’s “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Returning to a classical theme, Ms. Wilson took her post again, this time to lead the orchestra through a trio of songs that included Haydn’s Symphony No. 63 in C. The chorus and Mr. Capobiano closed the show with five songs, highlighted by the traditional spiritual “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel.”

The concert ended with rousing applause from the audience, who were appreciative of the tireless efforts made by the students and staff to perform at such a high level after having missed so much school and practice time following Superstorm Sandy.

Pearl Harbor Day “Taps”

As representatives from Long Beach City Hall prepared their annual commemoration of Pearl Harbor Day, they called upon the Long Beach High School music department to fill an important void. It was discovered that their regular bugler would not be able to perform “Taps” because he had lost his instrument in the recent flood. Hearing of their dilemma, senior Jesse Klirsfeld gladly stepped in to volunteer. His heartfelt rendition of this traditional bugle call brought a tear to the eyes of those gathered to honor the memory of all those who lost their lives on this infamous day.

Capturing the Fury of Sandy Through Art

It has been said that art has healing powers. After Hurricane Sandy devastated the City of Long Beach, the school district’s elementary art students were asked by art teachers Denise Collins and Stephanie Kornacki to create artwork that captured what Sandy would look like if she were someone we could actually see. This proved to be a very personal work of creation for the young artists, since Sandy caused damage to many of their homes, forced the temporary closure of Lido and West elementary schools and decimated the art studios of those schools in the process.

The students rose to the occasion, producing a startling series of images that captured the fury, majesty and destruction of this very powerful force of nature. From these very personal and very original works of art, the elementary art studios put together a very special exhibit titled “Let the Healing Begin…Through Art,” which opened at Gentle Brew Coffee of Long Beach on Dec 8.

“Allowing our students to personify Sandy gave them an outlet to express their personal feelings in the wake of a disaster that hit very close to home,” said Dr. Dale Johanson, director of comprehensive arts. “The result was a series of thought-provoking, introspective and incredibly imaginative drawings. I would like to extend our thanks to Matt Luyster of Gentle Brew for collaborating with us to host this exhibit.”

The exhibit will be on display at Gentle Brew Coffee, 151 East Park Ave. in Long Beach through the end of December.

Anyone wishing to help Lido and West schools restore their art studios in the wake of Hurricane Sandy can visit www.lbeach.org and click on the button that says “Hurricane Relief Donate Here.”

‘The Odd Couple’ Rescheduled: Jan. 10-12

After Hurricane Sandy forced the postponement of Long Beach High School’s November production of “The Odd Couple,” the school’s theater department is proud to announce that the show has been rescheduled, with performances on Jan. 10, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Four decades after its 1965 Broadway debut, this classic Neil Simon comedy of a slob and a fussbudget who try to live together "without driving each other crazy" is sure to provide a healthy dose of post-Sandy laughter for the storm-ravaged Long Beach community. Tickets are $8 and are available at the door. To reserve tickets, call 516-897-6500.

All-Eastern Music Honors

After a rigorous application process, Long Beach High School senior Russell Goetz has been selected to perform at the 2013 National Association for Music Education Eastern Division Conference on April 7. He will be one of a select group of 350 students from 11 Northeastern states to sing in the All-Eastern Mixed Chorus at the Bushnell Center for Performing Arts in Hartford, Conn. This is one of the highest honors bestowed on high school music students. To be considered for the All-Eastern Honors Ensembles, a student must have performed in his or her state’s 2011-12 All-State music festival, must be a member of his or her school’s corresponding ensemble group, and must to have received an endorsement from the school’s principal or superintendent and ensemble director. Student applications are then reviewed by a council of state music association presidents before being passed on to selection committee members, who make the final determinations.

Among his many musical accomplishments, Russell is a two-time All-State musician and eight-time All-County musician. He was most recently chosen to perform with the All-State Vocal Jazz Ensemble at the 2012 New York State School Music Association All-State Winter Conference in Rochester, N.Y., held from Nov. 29 through Dec. 2. He also was a featured soloist at a performance of the 2011 All-State Jazz Ensemble for state legislators in Albany last year. Russell is a member of the National Honor Society and vice president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. He performs in the select choir, chorus, men’s chorus, band, jazz band and wind ensemble, and is the drum major for the marching band. Also active in the theater department, Russell has played leading roles in high school drama and musical productions, and will serve as student director of both productions this year. In 2009 Russell toured Europe, singing with the American Music Abroad program. In 2010 he attended the Crane School of Music summer program for voice and choral studies. A scholar-athlete in badminton and tennis, Russell is the varsity badminton team captain and was named a 2010 and 2011 All-County Champion.

“This is truly a great honor for Russell and for the Long Beach School District,” said Dr. Dale Johanson, the district’s director of comprehensive arts. “Although we have had dozens of All-State musicians named over the years, it has been approximately 25 years since the last Long Beach student has qualified for the All-Eastern Conference.”

LBHS Theater Students Participate in LBMC Drill

The Long Beach Medical Center conducts an interdisciplinary drill each year for the purpose of testing standards and protocols relating to specific public health issues. This year’s drill related to alcohol and drug overdoses.

On Oct. 5, a group of 11 Long Beach High School theater students helped the hospital add a dose of realism to the drill by posing as a group of teenagers who witness the accidental overdose of a friend at an unsupervised house party. A simulated patient, which was controlled electronically by a LBMC staff worker, was used as the drug overdose victim. Members of the Long Beach Police Department, Long Beach Fire Department, and Long Beach Medical Center’s Emergency Department and Medical Education Department ran through all the emergency protocols that would be used to respond to an actual overdose.

The Long Beach students were invited to attend a debriefing after the drill concluded. When asked what impressed them most about the drill, they mentioned how professional and focused the EMS staff remained as they attended to the patient, even as a very realistic simulated fight broke out around them. They also praised the highly coordinated effort among the emergency department staff.

Congratulations to the Long Beach Marines Marching Band for a splendid performance at the 50th Annual Newsday Marching Band Festival at Hofstra University Tuesday night, Oct. 24.

Watch the Long Beach High School Marching Band's full performance from the Newsday Marching Band Festival.

Marching Tall at Columbus Day Parade

The LBHS Marines Marching Band had the honor of performing in the New York City Columbus Day Parade on Oct. 8. The band is made up of 220 students, including a horn line of 150, a percussion section that is 30 strong, and a 45-member color guard. To highlight the Long Beach School District’s 100th anniversary, the band marched with a banner highlighting this accomplishment. Students work under the direction of band director Marino Bragino III and assistant director Zach Rifkind.

“We have been one of the largest bands on Long Island for many years,” said Bragino. “I think they selected us based on our unique size and visual potential.”

The Marines have also been chosen as the closing band for the 50th Annual Newsday Marching Band Festival at Hofstra University on Oct. 23. Those interested in attending the event can obtain tickets through the high school music office, at 516-897-6500.

“I would also like to thank our new parents organization, Friends of the Arts, who has partnered with the music department to bring the community together to support the success of our program,” added Bragino.

(Photos courtesy of Steven Stutts, LBHS Class of 2006)