Baldwin Sets the Stage for Another Remarkable Year in Music and Arts....
Welcome to the Baldwin Friends of Music & Arts' Fall 2024 Newsletter!
The Baldwin Union Free School District's Fine & Performing Arts program is having a stellar start to the 2024-2025 school year. Playing on a refreshingly brand new athletic field, the Baldwin High School pep band performed splendidly at an exhilarating Homecoming 2024 in September. The New York State Student Musician Association (NSSYMA) named Baldwin High School students, Brandon Firth and Rohan Khan, as All-State Musicians, an honor given only to the best student musicians in the state. The Nassau Music Educators Association (NMEA) also named fifty-one (51) Baldwin students All-County Musicians. Additionally, several Baldwin middle and high schoolers will be representing Baldwin in the Long Island String Festival. Music to the ears! Students at Brookside Elementary School celebrated International Dot Day, which encourages creativity. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month in October, students from Steele Elementary School studied the life of Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, and several Baldwin students had their artwork featured in an art exhibit at the Nassau County Courts. The 2025 Long Island Gardening Guide and Calendar and the 2025 Liberty Water Be Wise Calendar will also feature the inspiring artwork of several Baldwin students. Then in November, the much anticipated Baldwin High School musical, "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" far exceeded great expectations. Encore! Encore! What's more, the Baldwin Middle School Bruin singers made the holiday season bright and festive with caroling. And the annual winter concerts in December from the Baldwin elementary, middle and high schools warmed hearts and souls. This amazing fall season in Baldwin's Fine and Performing Arts surely sets the stage for a remarkable year in music and arts. See how the season unfolded in this fall issue of the Baldwin Friends of Music & Arts' newsletter. Enjoy!
Twas a beautiful day in Baldwin
at the beginning of the new school year
Excitement was in the air for
Homecoming at Baldwin High School
A parade was held
The ribbon was cut
and the Bruins got ready
and played on a brand new breathtaking state of the art athletic field
The Bruins played
to a tuneful sound of victory!
Baldwin Union Free School District's Homecoming 2024
The Baldwin Union Free School District hosted a triumphant Homecoming 2024. The school community came out for the official reveal of the widely anticipated new athletic field at Baldwin High School. The turf was a sight to see along with the K-12 parade, the dynamic performances by the cheerleaders and the high school marching band, and the Bruin's winning the first football game of the season. Go Bruins! Blue and gold closed out Homecoming, beaming with pride at a great start to a new school year.
BFOMA, PTSA, and Booster Club at Homecoming, Supporting the Blue and Gold
Of course, the high school band was the sound track
instrumental to the beat
and sound
of a sweet Bruins' Homecoming victory
Brookside Elementary School Students Celebrate International Dot Day
Ms. Kristin Maldonado's class at Brookside Elementary School delightfully took part in International Dot Day, which is a festive global observance of creativity and collaboration that occurs in September. This special day is about inspiring children and adults to find creativity in what they do and to make their mark in the world. Ms. Maldonado's class is surely succeeding in this worthwhile endeavor.
Steele Elementary 4th Graders Honor Mexican Painter During Hispanic Heritage Month
Mrs. Liz Carrozzo's 4th grade class at Steele Elementary School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, which is in October/November. The students learned about Ms. Frida Kahlo, who was a famous Mexican painter known for her self-portraits and paintings of Mexican culture. To honor Ms. Kahlo, the students drew beautiful self-portraits and presented them to their classmates. Impressive!
Baldwin Art Students' Work on Display at Nassau County Courts' Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit
Baldwin art students had the illustrious experience of having their artwork displayed at the Nassau County Courts' Art Exhibit for National Hispanic Heritage Month. The theme for 2024 was "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together" and focused on the contributions of Hispanic and Latino leaders. The students aptly honored them. Picture perfect!
.
Felicidades!
Congratulations to the following talented students whose extraordinary artwork were featured in the Nassau County Courts' National Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit:
- Lucas Liriano
- Stella Francis
- Isabella Fleck
- Connor Markus
- Chisom Ubah
- Anissa Fernandez-Garcia
- Rafaela Caiza
- Eulyanah Bermingham
- August Sage
- Timothy Ortega
- Lucy Cain
- Lucas Nargen
- Chloe Reynolds
- Anna Yananatuono
- Zahra Uwechue
- Lucas Duet
- Aldo Rivas
Felicidades!
Congratulations to the following talented students whose outstanding artwork were featured in the Nassau County Courts' National Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit:
- Joellena Miller
- Nicole Martinez-Jimenez
- Kelly Dehler
- Jason Gomez-Martel
- Kyle Haas
- Kevin Velva
- Natalia Sibrian
- Justin Combset
- Meghan Evans
- Zoe Fray
- Nalanna Jenkins
- Abbigail Lam
- Tatiana Mata Guzman
- Wendjeenah Romain
- JohnPaul Russo
- Sophia Seemangal
- Leah Suriel
Steele School Third Graders Winners in Liberty Water "Be Water Wise" Art Contest
Full marks to Ariana Mustapha, Cayleigh Hollingsworth, and Micah Gordon who are winners of the Liberty Water "Be Water Wise" Art Contest! Third graders from Ms. Sue Michel's class at Steele Elementary School, these talented students creatively and compellingly illustrated the message of the importance of conserving water. The illuminating artwork of each student will be displayed in the Liberty Water 2025 "Be Water Wise" Calendar and shared with Liberty Water customers.
To top it off, Steele Elementary School received a special water conservation presentation award in recognition of the school's focus on bringing attention to the significance of conserving water. Well Done!
Congratulations to the Baldwin High School Flourishing Artists Whose Work are Featured in the 2025 Long Island Gardening Guide and Calendar!
Rose Altschuler
Lukas Duet
Isabella Aparicio Romero
The calendar is published by Cornell University Cooperative Extension (CCE) for Nassau County. They awarded each student with a certificate of recognition.
BHS' TRI-M Music Honor Society Welcomes New Inductees
BFOMA sweetened the induction with a TRI-M cookie for each of the distinguished student musicians.
Guided by exceptional teachers, TRI-M Music Honor Society students excel academically and musically.
They are involved in community service that promotes the importance of music education.
And are emerging as future leaders in music education and advocacy.
TRI-M Music Honor Society students know how to hit the right note.
Truly Noteworthy!
Brandon Firth & Rohan Khan NAMED NYSSMA All State Musicians
Congratulations to Brandon Firth & Rohan Khan on the remarkable achievement of being named New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All State Musicians! This means that they are two of the best student musicians in New York State. Achieving this honor requires students to earn very high marks on their NSSYMA solo performances. Brandon and Rohan did so and went on to represent Baldwin UFSD in the Symphonic Band at the annual NYSSMA Winter Conference in December.
Fantastic!
BHS Recruitment Concert Held at BMS
Baldwin High School showcased the fine quality of its music and vocal programs by hosting a riveting recruitment concert at Baldwin Middle School. The compelling presentation surely convinced some rising stars to pursue the performing arts at the high school level.
Baldwin High School Wins Grant to Perform "The Unsinkable Molly Brown"
Bravo to Baldwin High School for winning the prestigious "Unsinkable Molly Brown" grant for $10,000. The school went through a very competitive process and came out the only New York school to receive the grant. The Education Theatre Foundation, The Music Man Foundation, and MTI partner to give the grant to sixteen high schools to perform the Dick Scanlan version of the Meredith Wilson musical. The collective provides the grant to bolster school theatre art programs. Kudos to Mr. Andre Poprilo, Director of Baldwin's Fine & Performing Arts, Dr. Gabriella Franza, Assistant Director of Instructional Programs for the Baldwin UFSD, and Mrs. Tricia Wilder, Stage Director and Baldwin teacher who were instrumental in making this possible.
The Baldwin High School cast of the "Unsinkable Molly Brown" previewed the musical at community meetings and events before delivering a show-stopping debut and three day run of the production.
The Baldwin High School Cast of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" Musical Production
The Baldwin High School Cast and Crew of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" Musical Production
Baldwin High School Preview of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" Musical at the first Baldwin Friends of Music & Arts Meeting of the School Year
stirring up the interest
Baldwin High School Preview of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" Musical at Board of Education Meeting
generating the buzz
Baldwin High School Preview of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" Musical at Baldwin's Holiday Tree Lighting
increasing the excitement
and exceeding all expectations at
Four Incredible Live Performances of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown"
Congratulations to the Baldwin High School cast and crew of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" for pulling out all the stops on this musical production. The eagerly awaited live performances surpassed great expectations and delivered a stellar theatrical experience. Encore!
BMS Bruin Singers Spread Holiday Cheer
The Baldwin Middle School (BMS) Bruin Singers went caroling at the Atlantic Nursery in Baldwin in December. A select choir led by Ms. Barbara Raniere, they beamed brightly singing festive songs and bringing much joy to the community. Ho! Ho! Ho!
Annual Winter Concerts Affirm Baldwin's Commitment to Excellence in Music Education
Baldwin's Fine and Performing Arts program treated the school community to an array of beautiful holiday music at the annual winter concerts presented by the Baldwin elementary, middle and high schools. The concerts attested to Baldwin's adherence to providing Baldwin students with an excellent music education. They reflected the commitment of Baldwin music educators to nurture music appreciation as well as the rising and aspiring student musicians and vocalists. Family and friends had the pleasure of hearing and seeing their Baldwin students shine musically and be uplifted for the holiday season.
Lenox Winter Concerts
oh, what fun!
Brookside Winter Concerts
a swell time
Meadow Elementary School's K-3 Winter Concerts
a holly jolly good time
Meadow Elementary School's 4th and 5th Grade Winter Concerts
a very merry delight
Plaza Elementary School Concerts
a cup of good cheer
Steele Elementary School Winter Concerts
making spirits bright
Baldwin Middle School Winter Concerts
BMS 6th Grade Concert
gladdening the heart
BMS 7th Grade Winter Concert
uplifting the spirit
BMS 8th Grade Winter Concert
elevating the joy
a world class performance
A Mastery of a Live Performance
Baldwin High School closed out the annual winter concerts with the tradition of alumni and current students coming together to sing the "Hallelujah" song. This performance is brilliantly captivating and manages to leave a lasting impression year after year. It spotlights Baldwin's command of the Fine & Performing Arts and ability to bring out the best in the school community.
It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. -Albert Einstein
The Baldwin Friends of Music & Arts Advocates for the Fine and Performing Arts in the Baldwin UFSD, LI, New York
The Baldwin Friends of Music & Arts' Fundraisers Support Fine and Performing Arts Programs and Special Events
BFOMA Bake Sale at the BHS Musical, "The Unsinkable Molly"
Thank you parents, students, and BHS Key Club members who volunteered with BFOMA to fundraise at the BHS musical "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" bake sale.
Thank you, Baldwin Community! Your purchase of FOMA apparel, membership and snacks makes a difference.
Join us! Become a FOMA Member!
Become a new member or renew your membership for the 2024-2025 school year. We accept cash, checks, made out to Baldwin Friends of Music & Arts, and PayPal! Forms can be returned through your child's school music or art teacher. Thank you for supporting the Arts in Baldwin! Download Membership Form HERE
We are looking for Volunteers to help out at the Spring Concerts, BMS Musical & Pizza Lunch, Social Media & Newsletter, District Wide Art Exhibit, New & Gently Used Musical Instrument Drive and more.
Make it a family affair! Volunteer with your BMS or BHS student, who will earn community service hours. To volunteer, email BFOMA.
Donate to the Baldwin Friends of Music & Arts
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Credits:
Created with images by liliyabatyrova - "The words "Thank You!" in white, in colorful paint strokes on a white background with an illustration style in the graphics. The text is written in large letters. A vibrant rainbow paint stroke" • nblxer - "Volunteers Needed banner. Hands Holding Volunteers Needed Sign" • Krakenimages.com - "Mother and son wearing volunteer uniform hugging each other using laptop at charity center" BHS Homecoming Glideshow Photos, Nassau County Courts' Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit Photos & NYSSMA All State Musicians Photo from Baldwin Arts Facebook Page, TrI-M Music Honor Society Glideshow Photos from Kerry Firth, BFOMA President, BHS Unsinkable Molly Brown Cast at Baldwin's Holiday Tree Lighting Video & BMS Bruin Singers at Jones Beach Light Show Photo from Andre Poprilo, Baldwin’s Fine & Performing Arts Director