Music Department Named Among LI’s Best

Photo/Northport-E. Npt. School District
Northport-East Northport School District music department faculty members are pictured at the LIMHoF’s music department recognition program.

By Janee Law
jlaw@longislandergroup.com

The Northport High School music department was among seven Long Island High School music programs that were recognized early this month during the Long Island Music Hall of Fame’s (LIMHoF) first Annual High School Music Department Recognition Program.

The selection process was based on an extensive application process submitted by the schools, which included categories like program details, inclusion of national and state standards for music in curriculum, facility, staffing and community and board support. High school recipients include Freeport, Great Neck North, Herricks, Huntington, Long Island High School of the Arts, and Uniondale.

The LIMHoF School Recognition Program was established to recognize Long Island high school music programs that create notable music experiences for its students, while incorporating the National and New York State Standards for The Arts in creative and meaningful ways.

Applications were reviewed by a panel of music educators, some of whom have been recognized as the Long Island Music Hall of Fame’s “Educators of Note.”

At the April 3 ceremony, which was hosted at Northport High School, school officials were given the Model Program of Excellence distinction, which was the highest honor of the evening. Other schools received awards such as a Program of Note rating and a Program of Excellence rating. Each school presented a performing ensemble prior to the acceptance of their award.

Prior to the award portion of the ceremony, each school presented a performing ensemble. The Northport High School Tour Choir performed both the National Anthem at the opening of the ceremony and later “Only in Sleep,” by Eriks Esenvalds and Sara Teasdale.

Daniel Danbusky, principal of Northport High School, said, “We know that this honor and distinction is not afforded through the high school alone.”

He added, “Without the efforts of our music teachers in our six elementary schools and two middle schools and their dedication, musicianship and commitment to our students, our high school music program would not have received this honor. It is truly for the whole music program!”