On Feb. 11, the Bethpage Union Free School District Board of Education meeting was held at Charles Campagne Elementary School, where attendees were treated to a special presentation highlighting the district’s outstanding fine and performing arts program.
Mr. Brent Chiarello, Director of Fine and Performing Arts, and Ms. Julianne Inghilterra, Principal of Charles Campagne School, led the presentation, showcasing the district’s commitment to arts education.
In the fine arts program, student artwork is prominently displayed at all concerts, celebrating their creativity. This year, 27 students had artwork featured in the prestigious All-County Art Exhibition, and the district will introduce an Art Honor Society next year. The exceptional ceramics program, led by Ms. Cardo, includes a popular ceramics club that allows students to explore their artistic talents through hands-on experiences.
The music department also had a remarkable year, with more than 60 students district-wide selected to perform in the All-County Music Festival, and two music students achieving the honor of participating in the All-State Festival. The marching band performed at all football games, as well as the Newsday Marching Band Festival, and will participate in both the St. Patrick’s Day and Memorial Day parades. Students took enriching music trips to see “Once Upon a Mattress” on Broadway and visit the New York Philharmonic, while middle school students experienced jazz at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook. The jazz band also entered three competitions. The Tri-M Music Honor Society recently held its induction ceremony, and Bethpage alumni returned to perform alongside current students during the holiday concert. The highly anticipated spring music concerts are just around the corner.
The district’s drama program continues to thrive, with the Masquer’s Guild recently performing “Into the Woods” at JFK Middle School. Upcoming productions include “The Drowsy Chaperone” at Bethpage High School and “The Lion King Jr.”, a co-production involving all three elementary schools. These productions provide students with valuable opportunities to develop their performance skills, collaborate with peers, and showcase their talents on stage.
Ms. Inghilterra spoke passionately about the importance of fostering creativity and self-expression at the elementary level. She emphasized that early exposure to music and the arts nurtures problem-solving skills and personal growth. Students at Charles Campagne Elementary School participate in weekly art and music classes, and the school offers an innovative art maker space during recess as an alternative to sports. Additionally, the elementary schools regularly host cultural arts assemblies, with recent events including “StoryFaces” and “Let’s Go To China.”
The evening concluded with remarkable student performances that demonstrated the depth of artistic talent at Charles Campagne Elementary School. The string orchestra delivered two beautiful performances, featuring students on violin, cello, and bass. A slideshow showcased stunning artwork created by CCS students. Members of the CCS Chrome Lab Club, led by Ms. Kayleigh Duca, presented original musical compositions created using Google Chrome Music Lab. This club, the largest at CCS, provides third-grade students with hands-on opportunities to explore music. Three students shared their projects, in which they composed songs representing emotions and designed corresponding album covers. The project aimed to enhance emotional awareness and encourage self-expression through music. The evening concluded with a breathtaking vocal performance by All-County vocalists Madison Furey, Ava Lora, and Sofia Ryan, under the direction of Ms. Duca.
The night was an inspiring celebration of the arts, reinforcing the Bethpage School District’s dedication to nurturing creativity and artistic excellence among its students.
