Isabella Santini

With each school year that passes, every single dance major from each grade level puts their all and more into their performances. From solos to group dances, from sorrowful emotions to jaw-dropping reactions, the dance performers and choreographers spend a significant amount of time and trial and error to ensure the organization and well-formatted production of their shows. To initiate the running of their shows, they introduce themselves with an annual fall show: Dance Jam. But what is Dance Jam exactly, and what does it represent for the Dance Performance Department? To provide further insight, Senior Dance majors Skye Estevez and Liv Augendre have shared their perspectives on the performance, explaining its meaning for the department and its impact on the dancers. 

Skye Estevez describes Dance Jam as an “opening show” to kick off the year, in which each class collaborates and choreographs dance pieces together. It is not as formal as their other performances later in the school year, with the dancers given the opportunity to choose their own music and costumes, and to perform in solos and smaller groups. Skye says Dance Jam serves as a chance for underclassmen to express their creativity and imagination early on through these collaborative dances, since they typically do not choreograph shows performed in the springtime. In her words, “It is a cute and quick show to set the tone for the year in the dance performance major.”

Liv Augendre reminisces about her freshman year through her comments, claiming Dance Jam was their first introduction to true collaboration, starting in the Dance Performance Department. She believes, “it shows how a class as a whole will potentially be in the future; it creates team chemistry early on and a nice piece to bond over.” Liv asserts that this show requires extensive brainstorming sessions and a variety of group choreographers to piece together sections of the performance. She says this time spent with one another each year, creating class pieces, becomes genuine memories to look back on and celebrate throughout the years. The ability given to the dancers to present their individuality and talent through their crafted dances is incredible, and the support from the crowds from this collaboration is what she says to be “some of the best memories and moments.”

High Tech thrives on the events hosted by the Performing Arts department, each performer growing and developing in their talent over the years, becoming a reflection of the success of the major. Skye Estevez comments on the dance the Class of 2026 is best known for, titled Blue Gangsta, the first-ever choreographed dance by the class, which debuted at Dance Jam. She recalls the time taken to work together to construct the piece, the dance still sticking with them, “We’ve performed it over five times throughout our four years here.”

Catch the Dance Performance Department at Dance Jam on Thursday, October 30th, at 3 PM for the Student Show and 7 PM for the Night Show. Tickets are now available for purchase on My School Bucks. Come support the Dance Department Performance Division!

Alyssa Paulino

On April 30, 2025, the school held the annual Whitty Awards at 7 PM. It was an exciting event where everyone was welcome to attend, as long as they bought a ticket. The show was all about the Audio/Visual Production and Broadcasting classes, which are two of the major classes at school. Every student in those classes played an important role in making the show happen. During the show, students performed funny and creative skits, showed off their films and edits, and received awards. Some of the awards included Best Show, Best Hosts, Best Film, and Best Editing. Every single student got an award, which made the night even more special.

Students in the broadcasting class included Alyssa Paulino, Aaliyana Cifuentes, Cayden Drumeler, Sophie Engdall, Stella Jacey, Siegfried Jalink, Ace Levine, Claire Murray, Sienna Nemeth-Szerdai, Manuel Pereira, Sam Sarmiento, Anthony Velasquez, and Nicole Villalobos. The audio and visual production students were Gianfranco Agosti, Grayson Haemmerle, Kenyerlin Ng, Ludwig Pahl, Maia Yerovi, Natalie Ortiz, Nelson Weymar, Sara Miedel, and Stanley Gettens. Many of the films and edits shown during the event were creative and entertaining. The audience laughed, clapped, and cheered as each award was announced. The Whitty Awards celebrated all the hard work the students put into their projects and made it a night to remember. Hopefully, the Whitty Awards continue every year so more students can share their talent and creativity with the whole school.

Samantha Moreno

The Musical Theatre majors are cutting loose with their electrifying production of Footloose, running May 15th through 17th at 7 PM each night in the school auditorium. The beloved stage adaptation of the 1984 hit movie promises high-energy dancing, iconic songs, and a story that balances heart and humor.

Starring senior Miguel Bedoya as Ren and junior Adriana Garcia as Ariel, the show marks a significant moment for the theatre department—and especially for the seniors preparing to take their final bow.

“The rehearsal process has been long but always filled with laughs and hard work,” said Bedoya. “It’s great getting to work with your friends and watch the show come together. It’s bittersweet. I’m very sad that this is my last musical with this group of people, but I’m happy I get to end this year on a high note by leading the show!”

Adriana echoed similar sentiments about the journey to opening night. “The rehearsal process has definitely been a super long, stressful, and tiring process,” she said. “Even though it’s been difficult, there have also always been fun elements, and working hard with my friends has been a good support system throughout. People should come and watch Footloose to see that all of our hard work did pay off in the end!”

With unforgettable hits like “Holding Out for a Hero” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” Footloose brings a feel-good energy that’s contagious. “This show is full of fun and it’s a classic 80s movie,” added Miguel. “There are songs that everyone will know, dancing for days, and you’ll be able to jam out in the audience!”

Tickets are now available for purchase here: https://www.msbtickets.com

All are encouraged to come support the cast and crew as they bring this spirited production to life. Don’t miss your chance to experience the joy, rhythm, and rebellion of Footloose!

Alyssa Paulino

The HCST Music & Audio Technology March Madness Concert was an unforgettable event! On March 27th and 28th, student from the Music Technology program put on an amazing show at the Frank J. Gargiulo Campus. The concert had a great mix of popular songs and original performances, showing off the talent and creativity of our classmates.

Whether you love classic hits or new music, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The energy in the room was exciting, and each performance made the night even more special and only those who got their tickets ahead of time were able to experience this incredible night of music. It was a fun night full of great music and amazing memories.

Some of the songs performed were Mess Around, Happy Together, Ain’t It Fun, and Put Your Records On. The songs had different styles, so there was something for everyone. Students played instruments, sang, or did both. People clapped at the end of each song. Some students who performed included Sophia, Ren, Li Hong, Ryan, Andy, Mehrail, Sergio, Sabin, and Rohan. There were also Ava, Brandon, Juan, Andres, Kaleb, Sadie, Kayla, Kieran, Lucas, and Patricia.

Each person added something different to the show. and it was a calm and fun night for everyone who came. Thank you to everyone who helped put the concert together and thank you to everyone who came to support our performers!

Kenyerlin Ng

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes when High Tech is hosting their Spring dance recitals and music shows? High Tech High School offers an in-house internship opportunity for Stage crew and Video Crew, helping build hands-on experiences on production. 

Each performance requires different necessities from the theatre and the students are there to make sure they have everything they need. The majority of the students are offered internships that are built into their academic schedule. They then have the opportunity to learn about camerawork, lighting, and all the technical and visual production needed without interfering with their core classes.

Stage crew works in the theatre with Mr. Jeremy Falzone. He guides them with each performance to perfect their skill set and knowledge on theatrical production. He teaches them tricks on how to manage rehearsals, so on the day of the show things run smoothly. In addition, they are informed on how to work a soundboard, to control the volumes of each music and microphone, and how to work lighting so each set looks aesthetically pleasing.

Video crew works closely together with the stage crew. In comparison, they handle the video production of all the showcases done in High Tech. When the cameras are done being set up, they plug them into the control room and gain access to live stream it onto media platforms. This serves as an archive for the school and as a way to share the students' hard work to their loved ones. Responsibilities in video crew differ from camera operator, managing cameras during shows, director, guiding a creative vision with different camera angles, and technical director,

who changes from camera to camera on the switcher. They also have hands-on experience with equipment that is used in the real world industry.

These in-house internships are a great opportunity for students to broaden their interest and learn what they would like to do in future. The advisors Mr. Falzone, Ms. Cabrera, and Mr. DePierro offered their knowledge to the students and help them lead productions on showdays.

Isabel Rivera

On February 6th, the High Tech Performing Arts department welcomed Kyle Marshall Choreography for an exclusive performance and discussion, offering students a firsthand experience of professional dance artistry.

The company presented a segment of their newest work, Femenine, a trio of dances that embody the visionary music and lasting legacy of composer Julius Eastman. This evocative piece, rich with dynamic movement and emotional depth, is set to debut in its entirety at Drew University in March.

Performers included Kyle Marshall, Alexandria Francois, Jose Lapaz-Rodriguez, Khalid Dunton, Niara Hardister, and Taina Lyons, each bringing unique energy and presence to the performance. Their movements illustrated the complexity of Eastman’s music, engaging the audience in a powerful artistic dialogue.

Alyssa Paulino

The High Tech Improv show is coming up soon on Thursday, February 8th at 3pm and February 9th at 7pm in the Black Box Theatre. There’s a mix of excitement and bittersweet feelings among the cast. Especially with it being one of the last shows for the seniors. Mystique Auguste, a student performing in the show shared, “This is one of the last shows for us seniors, and the feeling of knowing that soon we’ll be graduating and remembering all the good memories we’ve made together is a bit overwhelming.” It’s hard not to think about how quickly time has gone by, and how soon graduation will be here. 

Before every performance, there’s always a rush of nerves but the cast knows how to calm each other down with laughs and support. Mystique said, “We’ve all watched each other grow and gotten so close. I’ll always miss the feeling before a performance when we get nervous, but we all have a good laugh to feel better.” That’s something that makes performing so special. The way everyone pulls together before the show to get in the right headspace. Gabriela Diaz, who is also performing,  also expressed how much she’ll miss this saying. “I love them all very much and am so unbelievably grateful to have made so many wonderful memories together. The laughter we share before, during glimpses in between and after a show is something I hold very dear to my heart.” 

Even though it’s a little sad to think about, there’s a lot of gratitude for all the memories made over the years. The laughter before, during, and after the shows is something that everyone will remember. Gaby said, “Performing this upcoming show with this family I've grown so close to is a huge honor.” It’s a reminder of how much the cast has grown together and how much fun they’ve had in every show. This upcoming performance is sure to be a great one, full of energy and excitement. It’s an opportunity to celebrate all the memories made and the people who’ve become like a second family over the years. 

Aiyana AlJabri

On Wednesday, January 8th, students from the High Tech Dance/Choreography Program had the unique opportunity to visit the Whitney Museum in Manhattan. The purpose of the field trip was to experience the exhibit Edges of Ailey, which provides extensive coverage of the life and work of the iconic American choreographer Alvin Ailey.

The exhibit offered an in-depth look at Ailey’s career, showcasing handwritten choreography notes from his personal journals, as well as details of his collaborations with other prominent dancers and artists. It also featured videos of early African American dance dating back to 1915, providing students with historical context for Ailey's groundbreaking contributions to the art form.

The students were especially inspired by how Ailey’s work played a significant role in social justice, elevating cultural dance forms that might have otherwise remained overlooked. This visit to the museum served as a natural extension of the dance history unit, where choreography majors learn how various dance artists build their companies and create lasting legacies in the dance world.

Sanai Carvajal, one of the students on the trip, shared her thoughts on the experience in a recent interview.

“So, I know you guys went on a field trip. Where did you guys go?”
"We went to the Whitney Museum in New York."

“How do you rate that experience?”
"Um, so one through ten, I’d give it an eight."

“Why do you give it an eight?”
"I give it an eight because it was so unique, you know, there were multiple floors with such unique abstract art. And, you know, I loved the first floor. The first floor had like surround sound with screens, with dancers—I loved it. It was so amazing. You could put on headphones and watch the interactive videos, and it was great."

“What was your favorite and least favorite part of the whole experience?”
"My least favorite part was the ending. I wanted to see a little bit more, but, you know, that was it. And my favorite part was the big screen. You know, when you went to, like, I think the first or second floor, you saw this big, big screen on top. It was amazing."

The trip to the Whitney Museum was not only an educational experience for the students but also an inspiring one, as they were able to connect with Ailey's powerful legacy while appreciating the artistic innovation on display. For many, including Sanai, the experience will surely remain a memorable part of their dance education.

Samantha Moreno

Get ready High Tech! Dance Jam is back, marking nearly 17 years as a beloved annual tradition. Mrs. DeFilippis, head of the dance performing division, encourages students to come watch the show. "It is very energetic and a lot of fun, and usually the music is songs that everybody knows. There is always singing in the audience. It's truly a great way to start the year."

This year's performance will include a group piece by every grade, with all dance majors participating. "There will also be different solos and duets," Mrs.DeFilippis adds. 

The rehearsal process spans about five to six weeks, allowing dancers to balance preparation with their regular technique classes. Senior Naomi Rivera shares her mixed feelings about performing in her last Dance Jam: "It feels very bittersweet to say this is my last year in this wonderful program. It was stressful to keep our ideas organized to create a great experience for the audience when watching our show, as well as enjoying our last time creating a piece together as a class for one last time."

Kimberly Saravia, also a senior, expresses her love for the event."I love how everyone gets to bring their own piece. Whether it is a solo or trio, you get to perform your own choreography. If you add a piece to the show, you have the opportunity to showcase your abilities not only to your family and friends but also your teachers and the rest of the dance majors. It is also a fun showcase because everyone is hyped to see the piece after flash mob."

Ticket Link https://www.msbtickets.com/frankjgargiulocampus/event/keol5mvc 

 By Gabriela Guadalupe

On December 8th the senior dance majors went to visit Montclair State University to participate in the university’s infamous ‘Dance Day.’ Dance Day is an opportunity for dancers from all over New Jersey to experience Montclair’s dance program. It consists of two one hour long classes with members of Montclair’s prestigious faculty including Jessie DiMauro, Kristen Bell, Karen Gayle, Christine Paolucci, Emmanuele Phuon, Christian Von Howard, and Kathleen Kelley. Dancers had the option to take either modern, ballet, improvisation, jazz, contemporary, or dance film. 

Isabella Randell described her experience: “I got the chance to take a ballet and jazz class during our trip to Montclair State University. My favorite class was ballet. Not simply because it’s my favorite style of dance but because of the beautiful and spacious studio. The studio had floor to ceiling windows and had a live piano player for the dance class. The class itself was very good, although it was short we got to do every exercise in their wonderful studio.” 

Chloe Cereto-Naudin also enjoyed the ballet class, saying, “My favorite class was ballet. I really enjoyed the opportunity to take class in Montclair’s beautiful studio."

After the classes were over dancers explored Montclair’s beautiful campus. They were able to walk around freely, visit the student hall, be amongst real students, and get a taste of what college life is like. 

Finally, the dancers watched amazing performances by Montclair’s current dance majors.  They performed a musical theater piece called “French Kiss” choreographed by Maxine Steinman, an ominous post-apocalyptic looking piece called “Create, Collapse” choreographed by Jessica DiMauro Marks, and a commentary piece on current world issues called “Resonance” choreographed by André Tyson with improvisational contributions by the casts. 

Pauline Medina discussed her favorite piece: “My favorite piece was ‘Create, Collapse’ because it was a very emotional dance and I love the way the dancers incorporated the sound of their breath into their movements and it was so nice to watch.” - 

Of the remaining performances, Luke Loos said, “From watching the Montclair students perform, I learned that intention and drive behind your artform is sometimes more important than your technique and training.” 

One highlight of the trip was seeing High Tech Dance alumni who are now a part of Montclair’s dance major perform and see how they have grown and blossomed as artists in college. High Tech Dance Director Trista DeFilippis said: “It’s a real thrill to watch former students performing in a different environment and furthering their dance education and I’m very proud of the work they are doing.” - 

by Olivia Cartagena:

On November 29th, High Tech’s Chorus performed at the Rockefeller Tree Lighting after winning the Star Choir Competition. I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Zisa, the director of musical theater and got the inside scoop of the experience.

To enter the competition they submitted a song they were familiar with. Once they heard they were in the top 10, NBC instructed them to pick 1 of 3 songs. They made their own rendition of “Jingle Bells” with the instrumental track provided. Mr. Zisa and Ms. Belle wanted to submit something original so they arranged the song to make it fun and different. When hearing they made the top 3, they were all very excited. It was unexpected as NBC usually selects elementary school choirs. Leading up to the results there was so much suspense but everyone was thrilled to find out they won on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” 

Mr. Zisa believes that this was a great experience and really brought the students together as a group. As a teacher, he felt accomplished. He saw that his students worked hard and pushed themselves, he was more proud about that than actually winning the competition. Mr. Zisa says, “It’s not just about winning something-there should be a larger purpose in the idea of what a competition is about, and that it can be a good motivational tool, but winning isn’t everything.” The overall excitement about winning was performing at the tree lighting and the prize money they received which wasn’t revealed at first. This money will directly go into the Musical Theater department and help fund productions and other events. 

Finally, at the time of the event, everything fell into place. The gravity of the moment hit everyone as they walked onto the ice and looked up at the tree. At Rockefeller center everything moved pretty fast, they watched Kelly Clarkson perform, met with her, and had many interviews. Mr. Zisa didn’t know they were going to meet Kelly until minutes prior. From the group hug and the time spent talking he describes her as a very sweet and genuine person. The group meeting and talking to Kelly Clarkson was a highlight of their night. That was until the performance, the students were nervous but handled it all extremely well. The most nervous part was when lighting up the tree at the right time. They named their tree, Jimmy. 

Mr. Zisa couldn’t be more proud of his students and what they accomplished together. The musical theater department is so appreciative of the opportunity given to them. They are very excited for what comes next with their performance of “A Chorus Line” coming in the spring. Stay tuned to see what future success the Musical Theater Department brings to High Tech!

Dancers: Gabriella Brillon '25, Roxana Perdomo '24, Vivien Cardino '24, Isabella Randell '24, Angelina Valdes '24, Sibel Gitonga '25, Graciela Graves '25