School Inducted Into Long Island Music Hall Of Fame

MASTIC BEACH, NY — Talent continued to shine within the William Floyd School District's music department, which was selected recently as a recipient of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame's 2018 Gold Recognition Award.

The district's music department was honored for its rich history of excellence in music education by the awards program, which is designed to identify Long Island high school music programs that are creating notable music experiences for their students and are incorporating the national and New York State standards for the arts in creative and meaningful ways, the district said.

William Floyd was recognized along with five other schools and was the only Gold Recognition Award recipient to receive districtwide honors.

The William Floyd School District's music program "is part of an elite group who offer students unique, rewarding and rich musical experiences,” according to the official LIMHoF letter announcing the award.

“The role of music educators in our society is to be admired as they nurture and develop the talents of young people through their work in schools,” Ernie Canadeo, LIMHoF chairman, wrote in the letter. “The role of music educators in our society is to be admired as they nurture and develop the talents of young people through their work in schools.”

To be considered, districts had to submit a thorough application in categories highlighting program details and inclusion of national and state standards for music in curriculum, facility, staffing and community and board support, the district said.

Applications were reviewed by a panel of music educators.

“The belief that music is an important part of a child’s education has been embedded in the educational philosophy of the William Floyd School District,” said George Ober, chairperson of the William Floyd School District's music program. “The culture created for students in school is the expectation for participation in the music program."

For many students, he said, William Floyd’s well-rounded music program has been an integral part of their educational life. Many have gone on to music education, music performance and other careers where lifelong lessons imbued through participation in the program helped to shape their lives, he added.

“The William Floyd Music Department has a long and historic tradition of excellence,” said Superintendent of Schools Kevin M. Coster. “From state and national recognition, the William Floyd Music Department continues to achieve great things within our schools and community. I’m so proud of all that they have and continue to accomplish each and every day by enriching the lives of our students and community.”

In addition to William Floyd, the other schools being honored with Gold Recognition Awards are Great Neck North High School, Great Neck South High School, Manhasset High School, Southampton High School and Brentwood High School.

Patch courtesy photo.