Baldwin is proud, prepares students for a bright future
Welcome to the Spring/Summer issue of the Baldwin Friends of Music and Arts' Newsletter!
Baldwin's Fine and Performing Arts program closed out the 2023-2024 school year with an exceptional spring season of music, art, theatre, and dance. The spring concerts from the Baldwin elementary, middle and high schools were sweet sounds of music. The school bands from across the district honored veterans in the Memorial Day parade. Jazz Night was a spirited and lively event. Baldwin High School's Concert Choir and Chamber Orchestra earned distinctions from the New York State School Music Association. The strength of the fine arts program was in full view with the K-12 District Wide Art Exhibition, Arts Pal program, Identity Project, Sidewalk Chalk Art and the new inductees in the Baldwin High School's Arts Honor Society. Theatre performances took center stage with the Baldwin High School's "Buttercup" production and the Baldwin Middle School musical "Little Mermaid, Jr.." Dancing too was in the air with the Lenox Elementary School students folk dancing and the Baldwin Middle School's Dance Expression Pre-Academy stepping into winning positions at the Step Up 2 Dance competition. Baldwin cultivates the fine and performing arts and, through both conventional and new endeavors, scholars are learning that what they create can have a positive impact, change lives, and lead to meaningful connections.
To Top It Off....
The Class of 2024 filled Baldwin with pride! We salute the graduates who have a solid educational foundation that include enrichment in the fine and performing arts and a school community rooting for them wherever they journey. The class is ready for what lies ahead. Baldwin is proud and prepares students for a bright future. The evidence is clear in all that transpired in music and arts this spring/summer. Enjoy checking it out in this issue of the newsletter. Have a Happy Spring/Summer! - Baldwin Friends of Music and Arts!
Caps Off to the Baldwin School District's Class of 2024!
Baldwin High School@ Shubert Class of 2024
Congratulations, Graduates!
You did it!
Way to go!
We celebrate you!
Your life is your story, and the adventure ahead of you is the journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential. —Kerry Washington
Baldwin High School's Class of 2024
Congratulations, Graduates!
Well done!
We are proud of you!
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined....― Henry David Thoreau
Presenting Baldwin High School's Esteemed Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Dave Achonu
Baldwin High School, Valedictorian, Class of 2024
Congratulations to Dave Achonu! Dave earned the top spot as the valedictorian of Baldwin High School, Class of 2024. His many extraordinary academic and extracurricular accomplishments are inspiring and the corresponding accolades well-deserved. Dave distinguished himself as both a Baldwin Fine and Performing Arts Academy & Medical and Health Science Academy student. He was on the executive board of the BHS Chamber Orchestra and is a NYSSMA, Majors, Level III & IV solo medalist. Dave is heading to Princeton University in the fall to study neuroscience.
Brendan Kaminski
Salutatorian, Baldwin High School, Class of 2024
Congratulations to Brendan Kaminski! Brendan stands out as the salutatorian of Baldwin High School, Class of 2024. His resume of achievements is commendable. While a BHS Education Academy student, Brendan played the viola. He was a member of and the secretary for the Chamber Orchestra. He also earned the recognition of NYSSMA Majors, Chamber Orchestra; Gold. Brendan plans to attend Yale University in the fall to study History, Russian History, Eastern European and Eurasian Studies.
Baldwin High School's Val/Sal Honored at Breakfast
The Nassau County Council of School Superintendents hosted its annual "Celebrating Excellence Breakfast" at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. At this special breakfast, the Council honored the County's Class of 2024 valedictorians and salutatorians. David Achonu and Brendan Kaminski were proudly among them as Baldwin High School's top students and received a Certificate of Excellent.
Read more about Dave Achonu and Brendan Kaminski in the LIHERALD.
District Wide Art Exhibition Illuminates Student Creative Expression
The Baldwin School District shined a light on the remarkable visual and fine arts education that is offered to students at its annual Baldwin Illuminated and K-12 District Wide Art Exhibition in May 2024 at Baldwin High School. The District transformed the school's exterior walls, commons area and gymnasium into a community art gallery that showcased the vast creative talent of student artists in the form of paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs and other eclectic artwork. These selected student artists received a letter in the mail giving them the exciting news that their artwork would be featured in the art exhibit. The exhibit was free and a wonderful sight to be seen.
BHS Computer Graphics Students Create Portraits of Orphans
The computer graphic students at Baldwin High School took part in the Identity Project. Under the director of art teacher, Mrs. Leimer-Kelly, this project enabled the students to use their digital skills to create beautiful portraits of orphans in Syria. The portraits were based on the prompts given to the students by the orphans. They demonstrated that connection made through art can be profound. Read more about the project.
New "Art Pals" Project Creates Special Bond Between Students
Mrs. Tricia Wilders' kindergarten class at Plaza Elementary School and Ms. Michele Liemer-Kelly’s AP Art students at Baldwin High School collaborated on a unique "Art Pals" project in which the students met and communicated with each other through art journals. Began in the fall of 2023, the "Art Pals" project culminated with the art pals meeting in person and sharing their final art pieces. The experience created a special bond between the students that enable them to learn from one another. Read more about this special project.
AP Art Students Mural on Display at Baldwin Public Library
According to Andre Poprilo, Director of Baldwin's Fine & Performing Arts program, "the mural was created with a partnership between 6 of our Advanced Placement Art students, and the Baldwin Public library through Tiny Collective. We are happy to have our students connected to our local library."
BHS Students Donate Art to Family Courts
"As part of the BaldwinUFSD School2Career curriculum, Baldwin High School students recently donated their paintings and photographs to Nassau and Suffolk County Family Courts, hoping to offer comfort and relief to individuals navigating challenges faced in family court. The high school hosted a ceremony to recognize the students’ work." - Baldwin UFSD Facebook Page. Read more in the Baldwin Herald.
Art has the power to transform, to illuminate, to educate, inspire and motivate. - Harvey Fierstein
New Members Inducted into Baldwin High School's Art Honor Society
The new Baldwin High School's Art Honor Society inductees and award winners are among the best and brightest in Baldwin's fine arts program. Whether its painting, drawing, photography, sculpturing or some other form of art, these student artists know how to make an amazing impression.
Well-deserved!
BHS' Buttercup is a Hit
Cheers to the cast and crew of "Buttercup." This Baldwin High School theatrical presentation was charming, engaging and entertaining. Take a bow!
BMS Musical "Little Mermaid, Jr.," is Sea-worthy
Bravo to the cast and crew of the Baldwin Middle School's musical "Little Mermaid, Jr.!" The students swimmingly captured the audience's attention with a fin-tastic performance. Baldwin is so glad that this show was part of its world. Encore!
BMS Dance Expression Pre-Academy Earns Top Prizes in Dance Competition
The Baldwin Middle School Dance Expression Pre-Academy is sweeping the Baldwin community off its feet with a winning performance in the Step Up 2 Dance Competition for a second year in a row. Pre-academy dancers went toe to toe with competitors and leaped into top spots. Read More
- 1st place - Novice Decision
- Platinum Designation
- Namani Raynor - 1st place for student choreography
Outstanding!
Spring Concerts at Meadow Elementary School
a splendid program of music and song from Meadow's 4th and 5th graders
Spring Concert at Plaza Elementary School
a stellar presentation of musicality
Spring Concerts at Baldwin Middle School
an exemplary display of musicianship and vocal talent
Listen to 6th Grade Vocal
Listen to 6th Grade Instrumental
Listen to 8th Grade Vocal
Listen to BMS 8th Grade Instrumental
Spring Concerts at Baldwin High School
a magnificent show of musical virtuosity
BHS Spring Concert I
BHS Spring Concert II
Baldwin Friends of Music & Arts' 2023 - 2024 Awards
Throughout the school year, Baldwin Friends of Music and Arts recognizes fine and performing art students from the Baldwin elementary schools to Baldwin High School for high achievement in band, orchestra, art, and vocal/choir.
Congratulations to BFOMA Award Recipients!
Baldwin's Elementary Schools Achievement Award
This award is given to student for stand out performances in music and arts.
The 2023-2024 Award Recipients are:
Band
Alrick Gonzalez
Orchestra
Gianmarco Orozco
Choir
Bryson Brownell
Art
Alexa Bennett
Band
Angelo Balmir
Orchestra
Gavin Espinal
Choir
Valentina Dawkins
Art
Zachary McPhail
Band
Chijoke Obasi
Orchestra
Zara Morris
Vocal
Ann-Abigail Paul
Art
Logan Reyes
Band
Evan Kucharovic
Vocal
Lilia Svwed
Orchestra
Gabriella Morales
Art
Giovanni Negrete-Hernandez
Hadassah Bonilla Hernandez
Band
Patrick Shinkonde
Orchestra
Angelica Resurreccion
Vocal Music
Erin Healey
Art
Hadassah Bonilla Hernandez
Magnificent!
The Arion Award
Established in 1948, the Arion Award is the oldest and most prestigious national award for outstanding achievement by high school students in band, orchestra, and chorus. These senior class members chosen by their ensemble directors for this award contribute to their musical organization in addition to demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, exceptional personal and professional performing ability, and musicianship. The students who receive the Arion Award have achieved the highest standards considered in both their academic standings and communities.
The 2023-2024 Arion Award Recipients are:
Band
Aaron Ashby
Choir
Samantha Cruz
Orchestra
Chelsea Panky
Exceptional!
Briya Narcisse receives “The Marc Greene Vocal Studies Scholarship”
Congratulations to Briya Narcisse! BFOMA presented the Marc Greene Vocal Studies Scholarship to Briya at a BHS spring concert. The scholarship is giving to a student who has exhibited music and leadership potential and enables the student to continue vocal music studies throughout their freshman and sophomore years in high school.
Fantastic!
BMS and HS String Ensemble Students Prepare for District String Festival
The Baldwin Middle School and High School string ensemble students took a Master Class with Orchestra Long Island. The class helped them get ready for the District String Festival. The students honed in on their skills and gave a lovely performance.
Jazz Night at Baldwin High School
Jazz Night was a satisfying and easy-listening music experience held at Baldwin High School. Making this happen was the jazz ensembles from the elementary, middle and high schools. They came together and created a relaxing atmosphere with the sounds of great music. Kudos to the students and their teachers for an excellent event.
Listen to the BHS Jazz Ensemble
The American Legion Baldwin Post #46 hosted the annual Memorial Day parade in Baldwin. Baldwin School District was proud to be part of this patriotic occasion. School marching bands performed brilliantly and played an integral role in bringing the community together to pay tribute to veterans.
Music Pen Pals Picnic in Full Swing
For a second year in a row, the Music Pen Pals program held a fun-filled picnic in Baldwin Park. Over 50 5th grade instrumentalists from Meadow, Steele and Brookside elementary schools leisurely met with their future music classmates as part of the program's endeavor to ease the transition to middle school. Thanks to Ms. Kristy Montalbano, Steele/Brookside's Instrumental Music Teacher, and to everyone involved in making this picnic a great time.
Summer Enrichment Program for the Fine & Performing Arts
The Baldwin Friends of Music and Art's Summer Enrichment Program has once again successfully fulfilled its mission. Administered by the Atlantic Wind Symphony, the program gave students the fantastic opportunity to nurture their interest and capabilities in music, art, and theatre in a fun environment.
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 and Arts Fundraises at Fine & Performing Arts Concerts and Supports Special Events
Jazz Night
selling snacks and apparel
Memorial Day Parade
providing bottled water to the school marching bands
BMS Middle School Musical "Little Mermaid Jr." Rehearsal
Providing pizza lunch
Funds raised from purchases of membership, apparel and snacks support the Baldwin Fine & Performing Arts program.
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
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Credits: From the Baldwin Arts Facebook Page: Cover Photo, BHS Chalk Art, BHS Art Honor Society, BMS Dance Expression Pre-Academy, Baldwin Concert Choir, Baldwin Chamber Orchestra & Mrs. Benedetti Lenox Images