Cultural Arts

Welcome to our Cultural Arts Website.

National Honors

The North Babylon Music Department continues to receive significant recognition for excellence in music education from the NAMM Foundation.

NAfME Student Honors

We are proud to have significant participation and representation of students in NYSCAME and SCMEA All County Festivals as well as NYSSMA All State, All Eastern and All National Ensembles.

RMMS Orchestra

Parliament Place Band

PP Chorus

Belmont Chorus in rehearsal

NBHS Jazz Band Honors!

The North Babylon High School Jazz Ensemble placed 3rd out of over 2 dozen groups at MADD's Battle of the High School Jazz Bands competition! In addition, North Babylon took home a special award for 'Best Rhythm Section.' The band took the stage at NYCB Theater at Westbury and performed renditions of Chick Corea's "Spain" and Herbie Hancock's "Chameleon" to rave reviews. The band is proud and was honored to be part of this event, supporting such an important cause! Congratulations!

Spring Musical 2022

NBHS Drama Club and Director LIsa Drance presented a real winner with "Little Shop of Horrors" on June 3 and 4th, 2022. Pit Director of the show was NBHS Band teacher Chris Wink with poster design by Mrs. Ann Sullivan, NBHS Art teacher. Musical Director Larry Wurtzel and Costume Director Marysusan Noll joined Choreographer April Anderson in another wonderful production. In a new addition, NBHS Cosmetology teacher Abby Santora joined the team as Hair and Makeup Director. What a wonderful job this team did!

This year's production features Anthony Cellura as Seymour, Talia Maio as Audrey, Ymani Merritt Bates as Mr. Mushnik and the ever-hilarious Omar Karim as Orin. And oh my, there's the plant!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone present was delighted by the fabulous puppetry by the cast.

Actors and actresses also toured the North Babylon Schools on Friday, May 27 giving a personal preview to students at RMMS and each elementary school as planned with Stage Manager Emily Klenofsky.

We were so delighted to see such a fun show open the new Auditorium. Great job, everyone. Thanks for all your hard work and for sharing your talents with us!

Honoring our Artists

On Monday, May 23, 2022 23 new members of the the National Art Honor Society were inducted in the NBHS Library by advisor Ms. Sarah Lambert. Surrounded by artwork and photos of their eventful year, Chapter President Mia Bacchi and VP Vincent Maio led students through their pledge and discussions about the elements of art. Mrs. Dianna Bacchi was also present to supply refreshments courtesy of PASA. Ms. Lambert presided over an Honorary Induction of Dr. Kim Lowenborg-Coyne, Director of Art and Music In recognition of her upcoming retirement.

NYSATA Student of the Month

Senior Paul Coppola has been selected as the Student of the Month by the New York State Art Teachers' Association as a result of his nomination by art teacher Sarah Lambert. Paul's artwork will be displayed at the Darcy Center for the Arts in the Firefly Artists' Gallery located at 162 Main Street in Northport during the month of May. We congratulate Paul on this latest wonderful achievement.

ITS Inductions 2022

International Thespian Society inducted new members on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in the LIbrary of the NBHS. Moderator and HS Theatre teacher Lisa Drance conducted the ceremony along with Co-Presidents Haylee Fox and Aiyana Torres. 10 new members were added to Troup #3370 at a lovely ceremony where each new members accomplishments were highlighted. New members include Lily Bakalli, Fabiana Canales, Keira Fox, Arianna George, Jessica Goodis, Diamond McPartling, Emily Meyer, kaylee Neumann, Jenna Schmitt and Jada Walters. The troupe also bestowed the title of Honorary Thespian upon Mrs. Karen Manzione, Arts Department Secretary, in honor of her upcoming retirement.

NBHS Band earns NYSSMA Gold

The North Babylon HS Concert Band took home a Gold rating at the NYSSMA Majors Festival held at Walt Whitman HS in April. The 100 member band was evaluated on pitch and rhythmic accuracy as well and blend, balance, musicianship and presentation. A gold rating is awarded only to ensembles that demonstrate an "outstanding level of technical and artistic skill." Congratulations to the band on this accomplishment!"

National Art Honor Society members from North Babylon High School completed the second in a series of murals at Cedar Beach in April, 2022 along with art students from local high schools. Despite an uncharastically cold day, the artists braved the weather with teachers Sarah Lambert and Ann Sullivan to create beautiful images on the tunnel walls.

The Circle of Life at RMMS!

Congratulations to the cast and crew of "The Lion King, Jr." production at RMMS on May 6, 2022. Dozens of students took part in beautiful choreography and singing. Our talented actors and actresses looked terrific in their costumes as they delighted audiences at both shows.

Students enjoyed this residency with Plaza Theatrical and we look forward to the many productions in which they will perform in the future. Great job, everyone!

Awesome ensemble!

Bravo Young Simba, Tristan Williams and Simba 2, Michael Mazur!

Aidan Burshtein (Timon) and Philip Russo (Pumbaa) bring down the house!

G'Vienna Salas as Nala!

Festival of the Arts 2022

Congratulations to all of our students who enjoyed seeing their artwork on display on Thursday, May 5 around the pond on Phelps Lane. We are grateful to the Town of Babylon for allowing us to use their outdoor space while Babylon Town Hall, our usual "home" for the Art Show has been under construction. The staff and students created a very beautiful display which made a fantastic, sunny day even more beautiful for our community.

Click below ("North Babylon's Art Show") to view slide shows of all pieces in this year's show.

AP Art Exhibit in the Park

AP Art and Design students travelled to Belmont Lake State Park to curate their own exhibit at LI State Parks Headquarters. Everyone enjoyed lunch by the lake. Their show is open to the public from April 1 - 29, 2022 in the Belmont Mansion.

NYSSMA Wonders!

Congratulations to all of our terrific music students on their successful auditions at the Area 2 NYSSMA Festival this past weekend. Thanks to Mr. Robert Wottowa and the East Islip District for hosting all of us. Pictured here are Jordan Peck, Taylor McFarlane, Michael Kilono and Jordan Iglio whose Saxopohone Quartet received a perfect score!

NBHS String Stars!

North Babylon High School students were honored with the wonderful opportunity to perform in the Long Island String Festival Association Chamber Festival on March 20, 2022. Selected students were Gavin Aquino, Ashley Campos, Wilensky Coleau, Spencer Mace and Amanda Quintanilla. They were coached by members of the Bryant Park Chamber Players and performed Mozart’s Quintet K515 Mvt3 in this year’s concert at the Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University.

The LISFA hosts festivals throughout the year in Suffolk and Nassau counties. The organization brings together Long Island string teachers, students, parents and conductors to support and celebrate the power of music. The District applauds these students, their families and their teacher, Ms. Nicole Verderosa andwe are so proud of the hard work they contribute to their musical talents.

NBHS Band Marches in NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade '22

Mr. Wink and the NBHS Marching Band performed in the famous NYC Parade as it returned to live, televised coverage this year. "We are thrilled to announce that the band will be escorting the Grand Marshall, James T. Callahan and the International Union of Operating Engineers". We congratulate the students and parents of all of our band students, their advisors Mr. Wink, Mrs. Buehler, Mr. Larek, Mrs. Gmelch, Ms. DeFiore and all those who supported the band at the Parade, including teachers, staff as well as Dr. Klomp, Mr. Scheid and Deputy Superintendent Ms. Skillen!

You can see the televised portion of their performance by clicking on this link and fowarding to 1:14:30 for the North Babylon portion. NBC News 4 .

All County Music Festival

41 North Babylon music students will perform in the SCMEA All County Music Festivals this weekend. "We are so proud of our students and their teachers, who have persevered throughout the pandemic, making the best of a really tough time", says program director Dr. Kim.

This weekend will also mark the presentation of a SCMEA Scholarship for summer study to Leyla Petit, a cellist from NBHS. Leyla is honored to be the recipient of the I. Scott Hamor Memorial Scholarship and is grateful to her teacher, Ms. Nicole Verderosa, for her glowing nomination.

"A Leviathan's Day Out"

Congratulations to NBHS Senior Marc DiVito for having his work included in the 32nd Annual NYSATA Legislative Exhibit 2022 Virtual Edition. You can see the entire show by visiting nysata.memberclicks.net/legislative-exhibit .

"Forever Alone"

Congratulations to NBHS Senior Jasmine Weston as her work is included in the 32nd Annual NYSATA Legislative Exhibit 2022 Virtual Edition. You can see the entire show by visiting nysata.memberclicks.net/legislative-exhibit .

NB Students in Art Exhibit

Congratulations to our Advanced Placement Art students, Bridget deFilippis, Lana Quach, Aiyana Torres and Lucas Zuniga Prado whose work is currently featured in the "Go APE" exhibit at the Art League of Long Island.

The exhibit is open from January 29 to February 12, 2022 in the gallery at the Art League of Long Island, located at 107 East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills.

oliver nb

A world of artistic expression at Belmont

Mrs. Whitney and her Multiculural Arts Club students have created these masterpieces for your enjoyment!

MGV Art Exhibit at the LICM

Fourth Grade students from Vedder Elementary School have their artwork on display at the Long Island Children’s Museum in Garden City for the month of January.

The students created artwork based upon the story Hey, Wall by Susan Verde and John Parra. Students looked at and discussed the detailed illustrations in the story. The story shows a community working together using art to make a dramatic change for all residents.

Art teacher, Mrs. Lisa Gregorek helped the students create their own mural ideas for their community and school.

World music with Mrs. Pino

Students from Mrs. Pino’s 6th grade General Music class at RMMS spent some time in early December learning about African drums. Students were able to learn about the history of the Djembe drum, the various techniques needed to play these drums, as well as, how to work together in small ensemble groups and create their own performances. Here are some pictures of them on their class performance day.

Holiday Horns tour District

On Thursday, December 23, the Holiday Horn emsemble from NBHS visited Central Office and each elementary school to perform their outdoor holiday song extravanganza! In a long standing tradition, alumni from each elementary were able to pause for photos with their teachers and principals after the show. Great job students and Mr. Wink!

Winter Concert video

Please use the links below to enjoy your performances at the NBHS and RMMS Winter Concerts from the comfort of your home.

NBHS Winter Concert 12/20 @ 7:30 pm https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDMoff6b9OQ-U-feaeqGkCg

Grade 7 Winter Concert 12/21 @ 6:00 pm https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDMoff6b9OQ-U-feaeqGkCg

Grade 8 Winter Concert 12/21 @ 8:00 pm https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDMoff6b9OQ-U-feaeqGkCg

Winter Concerts at EIHS

Congratulations to all those who performed in the RMMS and NBHS Winter Concerts on December 20 amd 21. 2021. All present were treated to beautiful performances by our Orchestra, Band and Choral ensembles under the direction of Miss Verderosa, Mr. Wink and Mrs. Buehler, Ms. Rzewinski and Mrs. Pino. Stepping in for the ailing Mr. Glazer were our heroes, Miss Shannon Green (Grade 8) and Miss Carolyn Mistretta (Grade 7).

Thanks to the generosity of the East Islip Schools Board of Education, Superintendent John Dolan and Arts Director Dr. Robert Wottowa, we were able to safely distance students on their beautiful stage during our own auditorium construction phase.

Thank you also to the NBHS Tri-M students who volunteered their time to help with stage crew and program distribution as well as those music teachers who came out and worked really hard behind the scenes to help each other.

The performances were livestreamed for those who could not attend and the video of the concert will be available at the links listed above.

Virtual College Visit 11/22

On Monday, November 22, twenty three NBHS music students participated in a virtual tour with pianist Jane Cho, Director of Administration for the Copland School of Music at Queens College from 1-2pm.

Together they asked questions, chatted with current students and teachers and visited live rehearsals in progress. We learned about auditions and available scholarships and the average student day.

If you have additional questions, you can reach Professor Cho at Jane.cho@qc.cuny.edu. You can also see student performances on their you tube channel at qcpages.qc.cuny.edu/music/ .

National Honor Society Induction Serenade!

Congratulations to Mrs. Buehler and the NBHS Vocal Point Ensemble for their beautiful performance at RMMS on November 17, 2021. Brava!

RMMS Veterans Day Tribute

On Thursday, November 11, Mrs. Pino and the RMMS Marching Band performed Patriotic songs in the Babylon Veterans Day Parade. Escorting the Long Island Submarine Veterans, the kickline, flag team and band dazzled the crowd with their wonderful appearance and musical achievements. Way to go RMMS!

RMMS Inspiration

RMMS 8th grade student Lilian Artusa inspires 6th grade general music students with her brilliant piano performance today.

RMMS 8th grade student musician G'vienna Salas shares her talents as a guitarist with Mrs. Pino and 6th grade music students.

AP PERFECTION:

PAUL COPPOLA

NBHS Senior Paul Coppola earned a perfect score on his AP 2-D Art and Design Exam in May 2021. We have received this message from the College Board:

Paul not only received the top score of 5, but was also one of only 152 students in the world to earn every point possible on the AP 2-D Art and Design Exam, receiving the maximum score on each portion of the exam.

This outstanding accomplishment is likely a direct reflection of the top-quality education being offered at North Babylon High School. We applaud Paul's hard work and the AP teacher responsible for engaging students and enabling them to excel in a college-level course.

We heartily congratulate Paul and all of his art teachers, particularly Ms. Sarah Lambert who prepared him for this examination.

NBHS Drama Club presents an Outdoor Comedy Show

Congratulations to all those who performed in our outdoor presentation of "Too Much LIght Makes the Baby Go Blind". A great time was had by all! Directed by Ms. Lisa Drance, the 33 member cast and 37 member crew enjoyed working on a Fall production again. Led by Stage Manager Emily Klenofsky and Crew Manager s Chris Cuevas and Aiyana Torres, the students produced a set of over two dozen brief, futuristic comedic vignettes. We are especially proud of our collaboration with Mr. Guadagnino and his student, Gabriel Rivera, for their original poster and program design.

Universal Pre-K Art today at MGV with Mrs. Gregorek! Must be Fall!

TOB recognizes NAHS

Supervisor Schaffer and the Babylon Town Council sent this picture to our HS artists today who contributed to the mural at Cedar Beach. Congratulations!

National Art Honor Society Members from NBHS recently helped to create a beautiful mural at Cedar Beach, in the tunnels leading from the marina over to the ocean. They created two panels, while students from all of the High Schools in the Town of Babylon worked alongside them on their own pieces. Congratulations to these students and their teacher, Ms. Lambert.

It's a wonderful world in music class at Woods Road Elementary School with Ms. Mistretta!

NB Artists featured in "Nightmare on Main Street"

"Nightmare on Main Street" is a student art exhibit for student artists from Grades 6-12 at the Huntington Arts Council. It will be open from October 22 - November 13, 2021 with a "reception" planned for October 29, 2021.

This juried show is selective and small in size. NBHS is proud to have 8 student artists whose work has been accepted to the show!

Mia Bacchi
Hannah Candia
Paul Coppola
Vincent Maio
Lana Quach
Peyton Silvestri
Aiyana Torres
Lucas Zuniga-Prado

Congratulations to these students and their terrific art teacher, Ms. Sarah Lambert.

Homecoming Parade and show - 2021

Adelphi's "A Day with the Arts"

Mrs. Drance and Theatre III, IV students in a virtual workshop

Bravo!

On Friday, October 8, 2021, North Babylon High School Students participated with neighboring high schools across Long Island to attend Adelphi University's Day of the Arts. Theatre III and Theatre IV students participated in performance and production workshops whose titles ranged from special effects makeup to theatre games. Of note, T. Walter Reid, Tony award-winning actor most notably of Hadestown, was the guest speaker. Afterwards, students took a virtual tour of the university, which completed the experience in helping them make informed decisions about college suggestions.

Theatre Award for Ms.Drance

On October 2nd 2021, at its annual membership meeting, the New York Theatre Education Association awarded the Rod Marriott award to a long time member, Lisa Drance. Presented annually, the Rod Marriott Award is presented for lifetime achievement in educational theatre. NYSTEA’s highest award, it is named in memory of a founding member of the organization and is awarded for lifetime achievement in, and significant contributions to theatre education in New York State.

Ms. Drance is currently a teacher of theatre in the North Babylon Union Free School District where she teaches a high school level sequential theatre program in performance and production in partnership with Suffolk County Community College’s Beacon Program. As a member of NYSTEA, Ms. Drance sponsors students to attend the annual Student Conference, is an active presenter at that conference, has presented workshops at the Educators’ Conference, and currently serves as a co-chair for the Long Island region for the organization.

In addition to her work with NYSTEA, Ms. Drance is actively committed to furthering educational theatre through her involvement with many other organizations. She has served on the theatre committee of Long Island Scholar Artist Awards, has been an active contributor to several NYSED committees for theatre education, and is a frequent presenter at Long Island’s Balanced Mind conference.

An additional note that makes this award especially memorable for Ms. Drance: As an undergrad attending the National Theatre Institute at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, Lisa had the good fortune to be a student of Rod Marriott, whose name this award bears.

Parliament Place Hosts

First Annual Tiny Art Show!

(Re)introducing Ms. Amanda Liantonio

Ms. Liantonio is our new elementary music teacher, working primarily with our orchestra students at DeLuca and Vedder Elementary Schools. Amanda graduated from Hofstra University in 2020 with a BSed Degree in Music Education.

No stranger to our community, Amanda is a North Babylon alum, having attended Parliament Place Elementary, Robert Moses Middle School, and North Babylon High School. She is very proud of her new job, adding " I am dedicated to our wonderful community and I am so excited to create music every day with the students of North Babylon! I have goals of shaping my students into the best versions of themselves as individuals and as musicians."

Welcome to NB Schools, Amanda. We are so happy to have you join our wonderful music education program and look forward to the terrific accomplishments of your students.

On your mark, get set, go!

DeLuca artists celebrated International Dot Day this week with beautiful "dot art". Inspired by The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, Mrs. Yezzi encouraged all her students to summon their courage and "make their mark" in our wonderful community. Great job!

Hoorah for Haylee!

Congratulations to Haylee Fox, a senior at NBHS, who has been selected as one of twenty Scholar Artists from all of Long Island!. Haylee's photo and profile will be featured in Newsday during the school year. Haylee, her nominating teacher, Mrs. Drance and her family will be invited to the annual LIAA Gala held each Spring. Haylee joins Award of Merit winners from 2019-20 school year Kaitlyn Marcis (Dance) and Gabby Felice (Theatre).

Band Camp 2021

From August 9-11, 2021 students from the NBHS Marching Band and Kickline practiced their new halftime show featuring Grammy Award winning music . We look forward to seeing you at our first home game this Fall.

"Summertime.... and the living is easy".....

Over the summer, NBHS vocalists Haylee Fox, Talia Maio and Kennedy Royal participated in the 43rd Summer Choral Institute sponsored by the Master Teacher Institute for the Arts and Kansas State University. The students virtually participated in university level classes in music analysis and performance. They are grateful to their teacher, Mrs. Tiina Buehler, for this terrific experience. Congratulations to all!

STUDENT HONORS