Floyd music earns national recognition

The William Floyd School District music department has been named a “Best Community for Music Education” by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation, an honor given to communities that demonstrate out- standing achievements and efforts to provide music access and education to all students. This is the fourth year in a row that the William Floyd School District has achieved this prestigious recognition and the sixth time overall – 2004, 2006, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. This designation, earned by just 754 school districts from all across the nation, recognizes efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and the community, who have contributed to making music education an important part of a well-rounded education.

Members of the award-winning music faculty include: Julia Bellante, Kelly Bergquist, Tomas Bradbard, Diana Brown, Mabel Burgos, Amanda Burrage, Michael Cicerelli, Christine Coffill, Dawn Conefry, Joseph Cordaro, Michael Cordaro, Jonathan Dignam, Barbara D’Orio, Ryan Feldscher, Gabriella Forgit, Richard Harris, Garry Helbock, Juliana Hyatt, Kimberly Hyland, Sharon Kitzis, Jessica Marks, Christopher Miranda, Leanna Ozman, Donia Rivera, Garrett Rode, Barbara Sapanaro, Maria Rueda, Christine Saraceno, Amy Sckipp, Michelle Seifert, Christopher Shaughnessy, Mick Singh, Jessica Spitz, Lauren Svoboda, Debora-Ann Tomko, Donna Visone-O’Brien, Lynn Zummo, along with George Ober, coordinator of music, Nancy Slane, music department clerical.

The William Floyd School District’s award-winning music department was also inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in for its rich history in music education and for creating notable music experiences for their students.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the William Floyd School District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music programs and more. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.