Mastic Beach, NY - April 22, 2016 - The William Floyd Music Department is pleased to announce the “Music Maestros of the Month,” a new award to recognize students who go above and beyond in their music. Recipients of the “Music Maestros of the Month” award demonstrate consistent musical excellence and performance in chorus, orchestra, band or in the general music classroom. Each student named a “Music Maestro of the Month” will receive an award, a letter of recognition and a $10 iTunes gift card. The Music Maestros for March 2016 are: Merry Vo Nguyen, John S. Hobart Elementary School, orchestra; Lindsay Rusakow, William Floyd Elementary School, chorus; Ian Hua, William Floyd Middle School, band; and Giselle Castillo, William Floyd High School, general music.
Merry Vo Nguyen, John S. Hobart Elementary School, orchestra:
“Merry demonstrates excellent skill and work ethic who plays violin with excellent posture and technique. She has worked on and improved her bow arm this year. She practices diligently and has surpassed expectations in assigned practice material. Merry asks questions when she is not sure of a new concept that she is studying at home. She has been in attendance to every lesson and has always been prepared with her violin and book.” – Amanda Burrage, orchestra teacher
Lindsay Rusakow, William Floyd Elementary School, chorus:
“Lindsay's attendance, behavior and performance skills are superior at the elementary level. She was a member of the select choir that performed the “Star Spangled Banner” at a Long Island Ducks baseball game last spring. Lindsay is also a member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra and Chorus and has performed at LeFrak Hall and will be performing at the Staller Center in April. She is extremely dedicated to our group and a wonderful role model for others.” – Michael Ciccerelli, chorus teacher
Ian Hua, William Floyd Middle School, band:
“Ian is a hard-working and talented sixth-grade band member at William Floyd Middle School. He is a leader in the flute section, and represented our school at the SCMEA All-County Festival in March. Ian is also an accomplished pianist, and has taken private lessons for the past six years. He plays piano in the William Floyd Middle School Jazz Band, and is the only sixth grader in the ensemble. Ian is a conscientious student, and is very deserving of this award.” – Dawn Conefry, band teacher
Giselle Castillo, William Floyd High School, general music:
“Giselle has been an active member and president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She has dedicated countless hours to promoting music throughout the school community. She has participated in numerous fundraising events throughout the years. Whether it was raising money for a family in need or performing music for student scholarships, Giselle has always given her all and volunteered selflessly. I have observed her directly in class and on the stage, and she has always demonstrated a superlative work ethic and artistic sensibility. Giselle has always prided herself as being well prepared resulting in a polished performance of the utmost quality. She has been actively performing with Symphonic Orchestra and Select Choirs throughout the years on various community events and Tri-M concerts. This year, Giselle is one of our top students and is enrolled in our AP Music Theory course.” – Mick Singh, general music teacher & Tri-M advisor