The Locust Valley School District must be doing something right in teaching the arts.
Locust Valley High School recently earned national recognition for its music education from the NAMM Foundation, which named it one of the best communities for music education.
The award from NAMM—a national group that supports music programs through community, research, and scholarships—coincides with four high schoolers receiving regional and state recognition for their music and media achievements.
Locust Valley High School’s Abigail Maselli and Sara Nearenberg were recognized by the Long Island Arts Alliance as scholar-artists for the media arts and theater categories, respectively.
Scholar-artists are chosen from the visual arts, music, theater, dance, and media arts disciplines. Students must excel not only in their art but also academically.
Maselli was invited to the Long Island International Film Festival in 2024 and often participates in the Locust Valley High School Film Festival. Nearberg performs with the Locust Vallet High School Jesters’ drama productions and performed at Radio City Music Hall last December.
On a statewide level, the New York State School Music Association has recognized two Locust Valley juniors.
Grace Araoz and Abigail Vuong have been invited to perform with the 2024 NYSSMA All-State Performing Ensemble this December. Araoz will perform with the choir and Vuong will perform with the symphonic band.
Thousands of students audition for the All-State ensembles, district officials said.
AnnMarie Buonaspina, coordinator of instructional technology and fine and applied arts, said the district takes steps to be as engaging and inclusive as possible to offer students the best music education possible.
“We prioritize professional development for our music educators to ensure that our department remains both relevant and engaging,” she said. “We make sure our programs are inclusive, providing opportunities for all students to participate in music.”
Buonaspina has been a part of the Locust Valley district for 13 years, nine of which she spent as a music teacher, she said. Now, she oversees various departments, such as music, film, visual arts and technology.
“I collaborate closely with teachers to shape and refine the curriculum, ensuring it aligns with both the needs of our students and future educational trends,” she said.
In her time at the district, Buonaspina said that the Fine & Applied Arts department has grown to offer more variety to students.
“We have added a middle school guitar program, various Fine & Applied Arts electives, a middle school and elementary theater program, a state-of-the-art film & tv studio, as well as many other opportunities for students,” she said.
Buonaspina said it is rewarding to watch students succeed at such high levels.
“These achievements reflect their hard work, talent and the strong support from our teachers and community,” she said.
“Locust Valley is an incredibly supportive community for the arts and this year we are excited to add an enhanced elementary theater program that is staffed with a high-quality and experienced production team,” she said.
