ITUFSD

ITUFSD

Monday, September 22, 2014

Audrey Zhang is Honored by Arts Alive LI

The Long Island Arts Alliance (LIAA) is a collaborative network of the region's not-for-profit arts and arts education organizations.  The goal of LIAA is to promote the awareness of and participation in Long Island's world-class arts and cultural institutions.  LIAA offers various resources to member organizations, is an advocate for arts education in the schools, and works together on methods strategies for community involvement in the arts.  Arts Alive LI has taken the lead in advancing the LIAA's vision of showcasing the region's best and brightest artists.  In cooperation with Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Arts Alive LI recently sponsored a poster-contest to kick-off an upcoming event in collaboration with the Long Island Children's Museum and the Cradle of Aviation.
The first place prize winner of this contest was Audrey Zhang, a sixth grader at Island Trees Memorial Middle School.  On Wednesday, September 17, 2014, Audrey was honored at the Cradle of Aviation Museum for her outstanding work.  For winning first prize, Audrey was presented with a $500 check and an iPad mini.  Many dignitaries were on hand, including New York State Education Department Regent Roger Tilles, commented about Audrey's phenomenal work and the importance of arts in education.
On Friday, September 19, 2014, Regent Roger Tilles returned to the Island Trees School District and was the feature speaker at an assembly honoring Audrey's achievements.  Regent Tilles spoke to the fifth and sixth grade students about getting involved in the arts, making art and music a passion, and the necessity of focusing on the arts in the 21st century.  Audrey's work and those of other artists on Long Island will be featured at the First Annual Free Family Arts Festival at Museum Row in Garden City on September 27th, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Congratulations to Audrey Zhang on this tremendous accomplishment.  These two great events truly showcased the work that the students and staff of the Island Trees School District are doing in the arts.  Excellent job!
              
-        Dr. Roger Bloom, Principal, Island Trees Memorial Middle School

Island Trees UFSD
74 Farmedge Road

Levittown, New York 11756

Friday, September 12, 2014

IT Alumni and Rising Star Winner, Jesse Kinch, Visits Island Trees High School

                   
IT Alumni and Rising Star Winner, Jesse Kinch, Visits Island Trees High School

Island Trees High School received a surprise visit from Jesse Kinch, Island Trees 2012 graduate and recent winner of the TV show Rising Star. After Jesse visited with principals and former teachers, he spoke to a small group of ITHS music students about his experience on Rising Star. Jesse talked about how the producers of Rising Star saw his performances on YouTube and called him to see if he could audition for the show. He also shared that he wasn't sure that his style of classic rock music would fit in with the show, as similar shows, such as American Idol, feature more popular music. After, Jesse praised Judges Brad Paisley, Kesha, and Ludacris, stating that not only were they incredibly talented, but they were also down-to-earth, great people who encouraged all the contestants. Finally, he talked about his experiences, sharing some funny stories about his time here at Island Trees.
Jesse gave invaluable advice to the students, encouraging them to listen to as much music as they can, especially music from long ago, in order to find their own style. He inspired students to always stay true to themselves and to never change what they believe in; in other words, he implored them to follow their hearts. Jesse explained that staying true to your music may take a little bit longer to get where you want to be, but in the long run, it will pay off. He challenged students not to be afraid to say no to something and to insist on doing things their way. Finally, he explained that performances on the stage right here at Island Trees, whether it was the talent show, concerts, or drama productions, were a great learning ground for him.
The students and faculty in attendance were inspired by Jesse's words of wisdom, and it was evident to all that he puts heart and soul not only into his music, to into every aspect of his life as well. We look forward to hearing Jesse's new CD he will write and record at Capitol Records, and we all look forward to his next visit at Island Trees!


Submitted by: Susan Oliveto, Island Trees HS Music Department Chairperson