WELCOME
Alumni & Friends of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
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ALUMNI & FRIENDS HIGHLIGHTS
Tuesday February 7th, 2023
Friday, Feb. 10, 2:30-7pm! Join us for the first Senior Art Show opening “What Have I Become?” All adults 18 and over must show proof of vaccination and ID.
Tuesday February 7th, 2023
Shoutout to Slick Rick (M&A '83), who received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Grammys! See his acceptance speech at 2:24 on the video:
www.grammy.com/videos/watch-nirvana-the-supremes-niles-rodgers-receive-lifetime-achievement-award...
"In an historic event, the Recording Academy honored titans of the music industry — past and present — at the 2023 Special Merit Awards Ceremony & 65th Annual GRAMMY Nominees Reception.".
M&A fir ever! Congratulations
Great honor! M&A 4 Life!
yeah... Im PA '58 music
Monday February 6th, 2023
Congratulations to Erica Gimpel (PA '82), who stars in the new AMC series 'Mayfair Witches" on AMC!
"Based on Anne Rice’s iconic series, Mayfair Witches explores female empowerment and the mortal implications of our decisions. The series follows Rowan, an intuitive young neurosurgeon who discovers she possesses supernatural abilities—and a daunting legacy." deadline.com/2022/04/anne-rice-projects-at-amc-cast-annabeth-gish-erica-gimpel-jen-richards-more-...
More about "Mayfair Witches" here:
www.amc.com/shows/anne-rice-s-mayfair-witches--1059404
Anne Rice Projects At AMC Cast Annabeth Gish, Erica Gimpel, Jen Richards, Tongayi Chirisa & More
deadline.com
EXCLUSIVE: AMC has announced several new castings for Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, which have begun production this week in New Orleans. For Mayfair Witc...Friday February 3rd, 2023
Happy #FiorelloFriday! Enjoy a bit of today’s morning lobby performance!
Tuesday January 31st, 2023
Check out this great new documentary film that Dave Powell (LaG '89) collaborated on, "Rabble Rousers: Frances Goldin and the Fight for Cooper Square."
It will premiere at Firehouse Cinema (87 Lafayette Street) March 24-26, 2023!
Tickets can be purchased at:
firehouse.dctvny.org/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=369416~2998286f-8e4b-4c31-9017-dcced8ffebb3&
Enter the code "RabbleDCTV" to get tickets at a discount price.
"Our film is about a community on the LES that successfully fought back against forces of displacement for over five decades: urban renewal, white flight, government abandonment, violence, arson, drugs, and gentrification. Through tenacious organizing and hundreds of community meetings, they not only held their ground but also developed a vision of community control. Fifty three years later, they established NY state’s first community land trust - and preserved a diverse, vibrant and permanently affordable neighborhood in the heart of the “real estate capital of the world.'”
www.rabblerousersdoc.com/
Rabble Rousers Documentary (2022)
www.rabblerousersdoc.com
Documentary film Rabble Rousers about Frances Goldin and her 50 year long activism fight against gentrification of Cooper Square Lower East Side Manhattan New York City NYC by Ryan Joseph, Kathryn Bar...Monday January 30th, 2023
Shoutout to Yvette Washington-Wheatley (M&A '77) who is named Staten Island Woman of Achievement for her work as a passionate music teacher.
www.silive.com
Her dad shared his love of the art with her.Wow.
A beautiful article. Congratulations!
Congratulations
Beautiful lady, beautiful story. I grew up in the same neighborhood and am also a music teacher.
Thursday January 26th, 2023
Tonight (Jan. 26) at Carnegie Hall, 7:30pm, the LaGuardia Senior Chorus (Jana Ballard, Choral Director) will be performing in “We Are Here” - a concert of songs written in the ghettos and concentration camps of occupied Europe.
The concert will honor the memory of all those who were murdered, and highlight the artists and writers who, in the worst of times, continued to create. With music direction by Lee Musiker plus performances and readings from pop artists, broadway stars, and cantors, this powerful commemorative concert will include a candle-lighting ceremony and memorial prayers.
www.wearehereconcert.com
We Are Here is a concert of songs written in the ghettos and concentration camps of occupied-Europe that will be performed on January 26, 2023 at Carnegie Hall.Wednesday January 25th, 2023
Congratulations to Chloë Cheers (LaG '23, Drama) and Fiorela Miria (LaG '23, Vocal) for being nominated for the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts!
"This is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students who exemplify artistic and academic excellence. YoungArts is the sole nominating agency for this high honor, and the 60 candidates, representing 21 states and Americans abroad, and nine artistic disciplines, are all YoungArts award winners. Open to YoungArts award winners at the Finalist level, 2023 National YoungArts Week included masterclasses and workshops during which the artists were further evaluated for nomination to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, as well as performances, writers’ readings, film screenings and an exhibition, allowing audiences opportunities to meet and experience these outstanding artists and their work."
60 Accomplished Young Artists Nominated for 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts
youngarts.org
The National Foundation for the Advancement of ArtistsWednesday January 25th, 2023
Shoutout to Jonas Barranca (LaG '07), who stars in the romantic comedy 'Townhouse Confidential,' with a showing on January 25 at 7pm at THE VILLAGE East by Angelika, 181-189 2nd Avenue. The film will be released through digital outlets on January 31, 2023, and on DVD.
www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Jonas-Barranca-to-Appear-in-Film-TOWNHOUSE-CONFIDENTIAL-20230122
"When the three Perry sisters, Elizabeth, Lydia, and Mary, inherit a New York City townhouse from their Jane Austen-loving parents, the race is on to find a wealthy tenant to rent their garden apartment to cover their mortgage, taxes, and repairs to avoid losing their home and being forced to move to cheaper digs in New Jersey. Could arrogant real estate mogul George Barrow, a Darcyesque bachelor with no pets or kids, be Elizabeth's prince charming who saves the day or is his courtship just a ploy to put her townhouse into contract and turn the West Village into a hedgefunder Disneyland? Will Liz be tempted by bad boy handyman Tommy Leroy who looks so hot in a pair of skinny jeans or will she fall prey to married mortgage broker Sal Carmine who wants to get his hands in her pants? And what about Lydia, the scorching hot personal trainer, and Mary, the shy, reserved blogger who rarely leaves her house?"
www.angelikafilmcenter.com/villageeast/film/townhouse-confidential
Jonas Barranca to Appear in Film TOWNHOUSE CONFIDENTIAL
www.broadwayworld.com
Actor Jonas Barranca has the role of Tommy Leroy in the romantic comedy feature film 'Townhouse Confidential,' which has a limited theatrical run beginning January 20, 2023, at The Village East by Ang...Wednesday January 25th, 2023
Jasmin (Danielle) McKenzie (LaG '07) is a principal cast member in the promotional trailers for The New York Times and Hulu's "The 1619 Project." The 6 part docuseries was created by NY Times author Nikole Jones. Jones has also partnered with Lionsgate, Academy Award winning Director Roger Ross Williams and Oprah Winfrey for the collaboration. The docuseries will begin airing January 26th, 2023.
https://www.hulu.com/series/the-1619-project-7ba3407a-299c-4a10-8310-bbcdd6ab4653
www.hulu.com
Hulu’s six-part 1619 Docuseries is an expansion of “The 1619 Project” created by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and the New York Times Magazine. The series seeks to refram...thank you!❤
Monday January 23rd, 2023
Check out two LaG '15 alumni - Jonah Bobo and Brendan Jacob Smith - performing in “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” Tuesday, Jan. 24 at the Farmington Civic Center, 200 W. Arrington St. in Farmington, NM. Tickets are $18 and $14. fmtn.org/shows
www.daily-times.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/01/21/jonah-bobo-relishes-role-of-songwriter-i...
'Simon & Garfunkel Story' coming to Civic Center features real-life high school pals
www.daily-times.com
Jonah Bobo said he was very comfortable taking on the role of Paul Simon in "The Simon & Garfunkel Story," which comes to the Civic Center this week.Love those guys! The folks in Farmington NM are in for a treat!
But the photo is not of Brendon and Jonah.
Would love to see them. Come to San Diego.🙏
Can’t attend anymore due to plan change Message and like my comment if you need tickets
Monday January 23rd, 2023
Join us Jan. 26 at 6:30pm for the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band Concert! Adults $20/Students $15. Adults 18 and over must show proof of vaccination and ID.
Friday January 20th, 2023
Check out this 14-minute documentary "Glen Eden" by Rebecca Blandon as part of The Outwin 2022: American Portraiture Today at National Portrait Gallery. The film follows Glen Eden Einbinder's (LaG '87) search for places and things that coincidentally are also named “Glen Eden.” Einbinder started this project by happenstance, after encountering a bottle of whiskey and a postcard for a sun club that shared his name. Since then, he has been collecting hundreds of sundry items—canned peaches, real estate brochures, horse ribbons—anything that bears the name “Glen Eden.”
Rebecca Blandón shares Einbinder’s story as he explores eponymous sites and expands on how he came to the realization that his long-term project was a self-portrait. As his collection grows, so does a community that bridges time and place.
The exhibition will be on view through February 2023 and the videos are available online.
portraitcompetition.si.edu
Glen Eden Einbinder reminds us that “People connect to their name.” Rebecca Blandón traces Einbinder’s search for places and things that coincidentally are also named “Glen Eden.” Einbi...
Thursday January 19th, 2023
Shoutout to alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin (LaG '00), who was selected as the 2023 Monterey Jazz Festival Artist-in-Residence. Lakecia will work with young musicians at Monterey’s Summer Jazz Camp and with the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra at the 66th annual Monterey Jazz Festival in September 2023. Lakecia will also be a featured member of Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour—Celebrating 65 Years group that will perform 25 concerts in 12 states from January 17-April 23, 2023. Lakecia is also featured on the February 2023 cover of DownBeat.
montereyjazzfestival.org
Monterey, Calif.; January 17, 2023; Monterey Jazz Festival is proud to announce that alto saxophonist, composer and arranger Lakecia Benjamin has been selected as the 2023 Monterey Jazz Festival Artis...Wednesday January 18th, 2023
Don’t miss the amazing 2023 Winter Dance Showcase on Friday, Jan. 20 at 4pm & 7pm and Saturday, Jan. 21 at 2pm! Tickets will be available at the door - students $15/adults $20. Guests 18 and older must show ID and proof of vaccination.
Tuesday January 10th, 2023
Congratulations to Slick Rick (M&A '83) who will be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award during Grammy week in February!
And if you're in NYC, check out his gig at Brooklyn Bowl on January 13: www.brooklynbowl.com/events/detail/slick-rick-the-ruler-12728235
According to the Academy, the award is bestowed upon artists who, “during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording.” The UK-born rapper is considered the most sampled hip hop artist in history. He “set the pace for rap’s past, present and future,” said the organization. Slick Rick is renowned for his lyrical storytelling. His catalog includes classic hits such as “La-Di-Da-Di,” “Children’s Story” and “The Show.” His songs have been used more than 800 times to craft records for the likes of Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg and J. Cole.
Slick Rick to receive Lifetime Achievement Award during Grammy week
www.revolt.tv
Slick Rick is more than deserving of the honor!Congrats My Blak Brotha & Alumni Fan since the beginning (M & A 76')
Tuesday January 10th, 2023
Calling all teaching artists! An alum from 2009 has shared the following teaching artist positions in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
Center For Family Life in Sunset Park Inc - Job Opportunities
recruiting.paylocity.com
Center For Family Life in Sunset Park Inc Careers Page - View all jobs and opportunities at Center For Family Life in Sunset Park Inc and apply today. | Powered By PaylocityTuesday January 10th, 2023
See the artwork of FIVE alumni in the exhibit "Come a Little Closer," opening January 12, 6-8pm at DC Moore Gallery in Chelsea (535 West 22nd Street). Mary Frank (M&A '49), Whitfield Lovell (M&A '77), Tom Burckhardt (M&A '82), Julia Jacquette (M&A '82), and Katy Schneider (M&A '82).
"The works in this exhibition measure from tiny to 15”. The artists that created them have varied motivations, but all the works are meant to be the size they are; in other words none are preparatory studies. Some play with ideas of “real scale,” some counter our expectations of detail, others luxuriate in the compression of information."
www.dcmooregallery.com/
Friday January 6th, 2023
Here’s a sneak peek at tonight’s amazing Gospel Chorus Concert at 6:30pm! Dr. Darryl Jordan, Choir Director.
Tickets will be available at the door.
All adults 18 and over must show proof of Covid vaccination and ID to attend all LaGuardia events.
Thursday January 5th, 2023
Join us on January 10 and 12 at 6:30pm for the LaGuardia Winter Musicales! Tickets are available online at: www.tix.com/ticket-sales/laguardiahs/699 or available at the door. $20 adults/$15 students. All adults 18 and over must show proof of vaccination and ID.
Winter Musicale #1, January 10
Concert Orchestra, Treble Chorus, Mixed Chorus, Symphony Orchestra
Winter Musicale #2, January 12
String Orchestra, Concert Band, Operetta Workshop, Elementary Chorus, Cantare
A great music event.
Tuesday January 3rd, 2023
Friday, January 6 at 6:30pm join us for the amazing Winter Gospel Concert! Students $15/Adults $20. Tickets will be available at the door. All guests over 18 must show ID and proof of vaccination.
Friday December 23rd, 2022
Happy #fiorellofriday and happy holidays!
Beautiful job M & A🎁🎉
Absolutely gorgeous!!!🤩
Awesome job!!!♥️
Love these arrangements and harmonies!
Great arrangement. Happy holidays
I’d love a copy of this arrangement!
Absolutely amazing.
Friday December 23rd, 2022
For those of you who were unable to attend the wonderful Concert in Celebration of the life of Gabriel Kosakoff on October 17, 2022 at LaGuardia, the video is now available. Please enjoy this beautiful tribute to an incredible educator and human.
Gabriel Kosakoff graduated from the High School of Music & Art in 1944, was part of the Instrumental Music Faculty beginning in 1956, and was the Chair of the department until 1991.
Former faculty member Justin DiCioccio was the music director for the event, which featured performances by Bela Fleck, Larry Aberman, Daniel Druckman, Mark Sherman, Rand Steiger, Kenny Washington, and the LaGuardia High School Brass Ensemble, directed by Kevin Blancq.
Thank you !! ❤️
Abigail Alperstein Ruttenberg
Oh my gosh, to see all these names again... 💖
Kyle Owens did you see this?
Thursday December 22nd, 2022
We mourn the loss of Elayne Jones (M&A '45), age 94. "She was a timpanist who was said to be the first Black principal player in a major American orchestra when she joined the San Francisco Symphony in 1972, and who mounted a legal battle over racial and sexual discrimination when she was denied tenure two years later." Read about her amazing life - www.nytimes.com/2022/12/21/arts/music/elayne-jones-dead.html?
She also wrote the book "Little Lady With a Big Drum" - www.amazon.com/Little-Lady-Drum-Elayne-Jones/dp/1631320661
Elayne Jones, Pioneering Percussionist, Is Dead at 94
www.nytimes.com
She challenged racial barriers when she joined the San Francisco Symphony in 1972. But she became embroiled in a legal battle when she was denied tenure two years later.I wish the school had a class about all the alums.
Thursday December 22nd, 2022
We say goodbye to Stanley Drucker (M&A '44), clarinetist with the NY Philharmonic.
"Mr. Drucker’s longevity with the Philharmonic gave rise to impressive statistics: 10,200 concerts with the orchestra, including 191 solo appearances, and performances of nearly every major clarinet concerto and soloist on more than a dozen recordings. He also recorded most of the standard clarinet chamber music works. He was nominated twice for a Grammy — for recordings of the Aaron Copland Concerto for Clarinet, Strings, Harp and Piano, with Leonard Bernstein conducting, and of John Corigliano’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra, with Zubin Mehta conducting. The Philharmonic commissioned the Corigliano for Mr. Drucker."
(His son Leon - aka Lee Rocker - is a bassist with the rockabilly band Stray Cats. His daughter, Rosanne, is an alt-country singer-songwriter.)
Stanley Drucker, Ageless Clarinetist of the N.Y. Philharmonic, Dies at 93
www.nytimes.com
He played in the orchestra for 60 years, performing under the baton of five music directors. He personified the orchestra’s brilliant, even brash, character.so glad you caught that he went to M&A....good tiding to you.
🙏🏻
Monday December 19th, 2022
Shoutout to Li Jun Li (LaG '01, Dance) who stars in the new film "Babylon" playing a character inspired by the trailblazing Chinese American actress Anna May Wong. Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie star alongside.
"Babylon" Star Li Jun Li on Capturing Anna May Wong Onscreen
www.vanityfair.com
Her character may be named Lady Fay, but Li says she took all her inspiration from the trailblazing Chinese American actor.Congratulations!! 🎉🎈🎊🍾
Congratulations 🎊 👏
Monday December 19th, 2022
Read a great feature on Howard University student Evolone Layne (LaG '20), and her work in STEM. Look how the arts are integrated into everything we do!
Evolone says, “One thing I researched and realized is true is that when you’re in music, you’re very mathematically inclined and it’s natural. When you’re looking at sheet music, math comes into it all the time even if you don’t notice it."
Evolone Layne Is Taking Over STEM, One App at a Time
www.glamour.com
The Howard University junior intertwines her love for music with her passion for AI, and she’s committed to using technology to help her community that is less fortunate.Friday December 16th, 2022
Shoutout to Dharon E. Jones (LaG '16), who stars with Nick Nolte in "Rittenhouse Square," which recently premiered at the Philadelphia Film Festival! filmdaily.co/craft/spotlight/rittenhouse-square-film/
"Rittenhouse Square contains themes such as hope, friendship, divinity, and the importance of mental health. It is about a young man named KJ who befriends an older homeless veteran, Barry. KJ struggles with thoughts of suicide after his father passes away."
Bravo!! Wishing you much success with the film and your future. Nick Nolte is an amazing talent. You’re a lucky young man
yea:)
Friday December 16th, 2022
The LaGuardia Parents Association is raffling off HOUSE SEATS to the Broadway show of your choice (choose between MJ, Hamilton, Moulin Rouge, or Funny Girl). The lucky winner will be selected on December 21! Support the great work of the Parents Association and enter to win!
$20 gets you one chance to win: www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=HYT6R5RW3XECC
$100 gets you 6 chances to win: www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=EBMWBT95PBBRL
The lucky winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 21.
Friday December 16th, 2022
Check out TWO alumni voicing characters in "The Bad Guys," a new family friendly film on Netflix - Awkwafina (LaG '06) and Zazie Beetz (LaG '09)!
Watch The Bad Guys | Netflix
After a heist gone wrong, a wily wolf and his infamous crew of animal accomplices agree to become model citizens — or at least try to.
Wednesday December 14th, 2022
Get your tickets to the amazing Semi-Annual Orchestra and Choral Concert Wednesday, December 21 and Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 6:30pm. Tickets are $20 adults/$15 students: www.tix.com/ticket-sales/laguardiahs/699
Senior Orchestra: Joseph Meyers, Conductor
Pieces by Dmitri Shostakovich, Carlos Franzetti, Pyotr Ilyitch Tchaikovsky
Senior Chorus: Jana Ballard, Conductor, Jeanne Cascio, Assistant Director, Dr. Christopher Koelzer, Accompanist
Pieces by Gregorio Allegri, Gabriel Fauré, John Rutter, Eric Whitacre, and Moses Hogan
Please note that adults must show ID and proof of vaccination.
Tuesday December 13th, 2022
Tonight (Dec. 13) at 6pm, catch LaGuardia's Show Choir performing as part of the New York City Opera Holiday Caroling event in Bryant Park. Jeanne Cascio will lead the Show Choir in performing some holiday favorites in front of the tree!
What date? It says tonight Dec 13 in your post but today is Dec 17 🤷♀️
Friday December 9th, 2022
Enjoy a stroll through some of the Semi-Annual Art opening!
Awesome‼️
I am always amazed of the talent of these young kids...just kids- with the soul of an artist.who see the world around them or adjust that world to their singular perspective...Having artists in my family changed my vision and I know these young artists change all those who see their creations
Friday December 9th, 2022
See the lovely artwork of Judy Simon (M&A '57) at Palo Alto's Pacific Art League's 101st Anniversary Exhibition: "SmallMediumLarge." The in-person exhibition is through January 17, 2023, or view the artwork online at: www.pacificartleague.org/101st-anniversary-smallmediumlarge
Friday December 9th, 2022
Happy #FiorelloFriday! Enjoy a bit of today’s wonderful morning lobby concert and a peek at the beautiful art from the Semi-Annual Art Exhibit, which opens today!
Wednesday December 7th, 2022
Come to the amazing Winter 2022 Semi-Annual Art Show on Friday, December 9 - preview 1-2:30 and opening celebration 2:30-7pm!
Must show ID and proof of vaccination. Suggested donation $20 adults/$5 students.
Wednesday December 7th, 2022
Tickets are available one hour before the performances for the All-School Musical “Chicago” performances on Thursday 12/8 at 7pm, Friday 12/9 at 7pm, and Saturday 12/10 at 2pm and 7pm. $30. Tickets are not available online. Get there an hour early, with ID and proof of vaccination.
Directed by LaG '08 alumnus and Drama Faculty, Gasparo Capobianco-DiBlasi, and Conducted by Kevin Blancq. Enjoy the amazing show!
Is it possible to buy tickets today online?
Why the "Teen Edition"? This isn't the Bible Belt, and LaGuardia students are no ordinary teens.
If possible please support this kids this musical is very good and the performance is great! When you see this from the beginning through the end it is outstanding!!💯💃🕺🌹💜🙏🏽
Wednesday November 30th, 2022
Check out this PBS video including four alumni performing in the chorus at the NY Phil Reopening of David Geffen Hall!
Wayne Arthur (LaG '07), Cherisse Williams and Cherissia Williams (LaG '09), and Omar Bowey (LaG '11). The video will stream on PBS until December 2, 2022:
www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/ny-phil-reopening-of-david-geffen-hall-about/14020/
This concert special led by the New York Philharmonic Music Director Jaap van Zweden inaugurates the newly renovated David Geffen Hall. Recorded October 28, the concert features a performance of “Ode to Joy” as the finale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony along with a world premiere work by Puerto Rican composer Angélica Negrón celebrating the ritual of gathering around music and art. Under the baton of Music Director Jaap Van Zweden the concert features performances from soloists Joélle Harvey, Kelley O’Connor, Issachah Savage and Davóne Tineschorus for Ode to joy and “You are the Prelude” by Angelica Negron.
Tuesday November 29th, 2022
November 30 is the opening night of LaGuardia's All School Musical "Chicago" (teen edition)! Previews are on November 30 and December 1, and performances continue through December 10. Get your tickets before they're all gone at www.tix.com/ticket-sales/laguardiahs/699
Directed by LaG '08 alumnus and Drama Faculty, Gasparo Capobianco-DiBlasi and Conducted by Kevin Blancq.
Emma Gonzalez
Tuesday November 29th, 2022
Watch this amazing performance on Jimmy Fallon of Lorna Courtney (LaG '16 vocal), star of the new musical And Juliet Broadway!" Lorna was the recipient of numerous Alumni & Friends scholarships and awards that helped hone her craft and led her on her path to BROADWAY! She starred in the LaGuardia all-school musicals and she was an intern in the Alumni & Friends office! Go Lorna!
Brava!!
Saw her and cast in dress. Lorna was incredible. Will be back in January!
Tuesday November 29th, 2022
🎼Shoutout to LaGuardia’s Senior Chorus, who will perform the World Premiere of Eric Whitacre’s 'The Gift of the Magi' at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, November 29, at 7:00 PM! Jana Ballard, Choral Director.
The Holiday Music of Eric Whitacre | Nov 29, 2022 at 7 PM
www.carnegiehall.org
Join DCINY and singers from around the world for an evening with one of today’s celebrated choral composers, Eric Whitacre. He leads the choir through a program of his popular holiday works, includi...Anybody in the all city orchestra get to play there? I know Joey did an all city Tympani stint with Zubin Mehta at Carnegie….I was good enough on violin for M and A, but not good enough for a Carnegie gig!!!! Wish I was in town Nov 29th!!!! Have a great gig!😀
That's awesome! Congratulations!
Joey who?
Monday November 28th, 2022
Tune into NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Monday, November 28th @ 11:35pm ET to see Lorna Courtney (LaG '16) perform LIVE with the cast of Broadway's new hit musical "& Juliet!"
Saw it on Saturday, it was fabulous and she was spectacular!
Saturday November 26th, 2022
We mourn the passing of Irene Cara, who starred as Coco Hernandez in The iconic 1980 “Fame.” While she was not an alumna of our school, she is certainly an honorary one, and we will always remember her name. 🎼🎹
theguardian.com/film/2022/nov/26/fame-and-flashdance-singer-and-actor-irene-cara-dies-aged-63
Fame and Flashdance singer and actor Irene Cara dies aged 63
amp.theguardian.com
The Oscar-winning What A Feeling singer, who played Coco Hernandez in 1980’s Fame, died at her home in FloridaRIP
No! 😥
Talented! ... attended several rehearsals for recording sessions early in her career...
Irene Cara Said This Before She Died | Warning Signs Were There😭😭 youtu.be/7x1pkl_n54s
Rip Legend.
...her beautiful voice will be forever. 🎶🎶🕊️
I was very sorry to hear.
What a tragedy! So multi-talented. RIP
🥀💔🥀💔🥀💔🥀💔🥀💔
🙏🏾🕊🙏🏾
RiP Queen
Whatttt so sad
She was a huge part of my childhood - hearing /watching her on Fame which made me want to be CoCo and go to LaG.. So blessed I did!! Thank you Irene Cara & May you Live forever and light up the sky like a flame 💫RIP 🫶🏻🙏🏼
She’ll live in our hearts and minds forever.
Remember... www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1gMQ_q3FSM
Surely she's lighting up the sky like a flame 🌟 So many M&A and PA folks were in the Fame movie, we've lost a beloved family member 💔🙏🏽
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022
Shoutout to Britt Shacham (LaG '14) whose project, COROMANCE, was featured in a WNBC news story that won the NY Emmy Award during the 65th Annual New York Emmy Awards!
Finding — and Documenting — Love in the Time of COVID
www.nbcnewyork.com
Brooklyn photography student Britt Shacham Bernstein is using people’s search for love during COVID to capture a different side of the pandemic. NBC New York’s Adam Harding reports.Monday November 21st, 2022
Read about George Lois (M&A '49) and his memorable ad campaigns and slogans, including "I want my MTV." He passed away on November 18 at age 91.
"He was Madison Avenue’s best-known 20th-century art director, who put the counterculture of the 1960s and ’70s into postwar advertising and created stunning covers for Esquire magazine that rebuked American racism and involvement in the Vietnam War.
Irascible and uncompromising, Mr. Lois created witty, irreverent campaigns that shattered the ham-handed advertising conventions that had relied on testimonials and romanticized images. In one campaign, a chimpanzee demonstrated the simplicity of a Xerox machine; in another, the former heavyweight champion Joe Louis, who was deep in debt to the I.R.S., appeared in a brokerage ad asking, 'Where were you when I needed you?'"
George Lois, Visionary Art Director, Is Dead at 91
www.nytimes.com
He brought the counterculture to advertising and designed memorable covers for Esquire magazine, many of them wordless critiques of American society.Marvelous
Friday November 18th, 2022
Happy #FiorelloFriday! Today we share about the first principal of the High School of Music and Art (from 1937-1959).
From his 1974 obituary in the NY Times: "Noting that only 10 to 15 percent of the school's students became professional artists or musicians, he said 'But that's not what we are after. We give them something they'll have all their lives.' He expressed the belief that students with talent in music and art generally will do superior work in their other courses, too."
An alumna from 1957 recently shared about Principal Steigman: "During the winter every Friday after school he, and lots of students, went to the Wollman ice skating rink in Central Park."
Yes they do!!!!
I have owned "Accent on Talent" for many years. It is quite self-congratulatory, and one amusing passage tells of Steigman being confronted with girls wanting to wear "slacks" to school (that generation would never say "pants," which suggested underpants or panties). He wrote this couplet: "Slacks are not for you intended, unless you are diminuended."
I remember him well
He was a treasure.
Charles Klein. Fyi
I remember Dr. Steigman well. He was a treasure. Slacks were allowed, simply out of necessity. Imagine trying to play the cello while wearing a skirt, or trying to sit at a potter's wheel in a skirt. Not practical.
I remember Dr. Steigman
One day in 2015, when the La Guardia HS library was throwing out books, I found Principal Steigman’s book about Music and Art HS, “Accent on Talent: New York’s High School of Music and Art” on the sidewalk. An amazing intellectual book about education at the school. I can imagine Principal Sorenson writing his own version of this work but cannot imagine the principals who came after him having the interest or the ability to even read it.
I bought his book as soon as it was published and still peruse it occasionally. I never met him in person but he was always someone we were aware of while we were students at that glorious school.
Amazing
A great man indeed! Class of 1956
A WONDER OF A MAN! Made a difference in the world.❤
Yes, he left a legacy of love of Art and Music throughout one’s life. Nina Raskin, class of winter, 1951
He was so open to all forms of art. In 1972, he submitted an entry to a playwriting contest at the University of Chicago. Didn’t win, but oh! what an expansive mind.
Thursday November 17th, 2022
Join artist Mary Frank (M&A '49) at her opening November 17, 6-7:30pm at DC Moore Gallery. The exhibit "What Color Courage?" is new and historic work by Mary Frank, featuring mixed media paintings, painted stones, sculptures, along with several groups of works on paper from 1990-2022. Through December 22, 2022.
DC Moore Gallery is located in Chelsea at 535 West 22nd Street, New York, NY.
www.dcmooregallery.com/exhibitions/mary-frank-what-color-courage
This is an exquisite exhibit.
Thursday November 17th, 2022
Get your tickets to LaGuardia's All-School Musical - CHICAGO Teen Edition! Performances are November 30-December 10, $30 per ticket ($20 for previews November 30 and December 1): www.laguardiahspa.org/all-school-musical
Please remember that we are following current DOE health and safety guidelines. All adult guests must show ID and proof of vaccination to enter a DOE building to attend a performance. Students do not need to provide proof of vaccination.
Showtimes are:
Wednesday, November 30 @ 5 pm (preview)
Thursday, December 1 @ 5 pm (preview)
Friday, December 2 @ 2 pm
Friday, December 2 @ 7 pm
Saturday, December 3 @ 2 pm
Saturday, December 3 @ 7 pm
Thursday, December 8 @ 7 pm
Friday, December 9 @ 7 pm
Saturday, December 10 @ 2 pm
Saturday, December 10 @ 7 pm.
Thursday November 17th, 2022
The LaGuardia Parents Association is selling raffle tickets for the Jingle Ball, which is a sold out holiday concert at Madison Square Garden on Friday, December 9. With Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Charlie Puth, Backstreet Boys, The Kid LAROI, AJR, Demi Lovato, Lauv, Ava Max, Dove Cameron, and Jax.
1 ticket for $20 - tinyurl.com/53j78xaf
6 tickets for $100 - tinyurl.com/3ny4s7ek
More about the Jingle Ball: www.msg.com/calendar/madison-square-garden-december-2022-z100s-jingle-ball
anyone still looking for tickets? I got 4 tickets for sale
I’m selling 4 Jingle ball Due Lipa tickets at Madison Square Garden NY. Section 115 Row 14. Message me privately if you’re interested
Tuesday November 15th, 2022
Playwright/Director Kotryna Gesait (LaG ‘08 Drama) has a show that opens November 16 at the Gene Frankel Theatre (24 Bond St, NYC, NY 10012). COCOON is a play of four stories intertwined to explore different phases of romantic love.
www.cocoonplay.com
Four stories intertwine to explore different phases of romantic love. Follow as we delve into the caverns of innocence, desire, and human connection both lost & found.Thursday November 10th, 2022
What a treat! Today ALL LaGuardia students, faculty, and staff will be attending a private performance of Kurt Jooss’ 'The Green Table' presented by The Paul Taylor Dance Company at Lincoln Center! www.davidhkochtheater.com/tickets-and-events/paul-taylor/
Principal Vasconcelos writes: "This is one of the most influential artistic works of the 20th century. To honor and revive this masterpiece, The Paul Taylor Dance Company recently presented The Green Table at Chatham, NY’s PS21, and at The 92nd Street Y. Now Paul Tayor is presenting it as part of Lincoln Center’s Fall 2022 season, and has scheduled a special, private performance just for LaGuardia. We are so grateful to be invited to this relevant and timeless example of how artists respond to war, conflict, reconciliation, and peace through their artistic medium."
Thursday November 10th, 2022
Shoutout to Joy Sunday (LaG '14, and former intern in the Alumni & Friends office!) for her role as Bianca in the upcoming Netflix series "Wednesday!" Premieres November 23, 2022. www.thelist.com/1057255/meet-the-cast-of-netflixs-wednesday/
She got her start in 2018 with a role on the Lucas Till show "MacGyver." Since then, she has appeared in the show "Yas Kween," "Dear White People," the horror film "The Beta Test," the Hulu film "Bad Hair," and the Channing Tatum-led film "Dog."
Fantastic 76'
wow... wonderful PA music 1958
Thursday November 10th, 2022
Check out the new single by Caroline Meade (LaG '19)! Caroline is currently studying at NYU's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music.
Monday November 7th, 2022
Enjoy some of the Student Curated Art Show that opened on November 4! Mezzanine level of LaGuardia.
Thursday November 3rd, 2022
Come to LaGuardia tomorrow for the first student art exhibition of the school year! The opening of the Student Curated Art Show: REFLECTION is from 2pm to 7pm, Friday, November 4th. There is an additional viewing opportunity on Saturday, November 5th from 10am to 2pm.
Works are on display in the lobby, mezzanine, and in the second floor art gallery. Suggested admission is $15 for adults, $5 for students.
** Please be sure to bring proof of vaccination if you would like to come into the LaGuardia school building to see the exhibition. **
Thursday November 3rd, 2022
Look who came back to school! We are so grateful to opera singer Laquita Mitchell, LaG '94, who returned to LaGuardia to give master classes to vocal students. Her Soprano voice graced the halls and the students were mesmerized! A giant thank you to Malcolm J. Merriweather as well, who also worked with the students.
Pictured from left to right: T.J. Walker - accompanist and Musical Director of LaGuardia Gospel Choir, Darryl Jordan - LaGuardia Choir Director and Voice Instructor and Director of the LaGuardia Gospel Choir, Laquita Mitchell - Opera Singer and Voice Professor at Mannes College of Music and Brooklyn College, and Malcolm J. Merriweather - conductor, musical director and faculty at Brooklyn College, Director of the Dessoff Choirs and the newly appointed Conductor of the NY Philharmonic Chorus.
What a small world! I just sang with them with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus at Chautauqua. Lag Alum ‘11 here 🙂
Tuesday November 1st, 2022
Enjoy a snippet of the amazing performance by Béla Fleck at the Gabriel Kosakoff Memorial Concert on October 17! www.belafleck.com/
Tuesday November 1st, 2022
Congratulations to Lorna Courtney (LaG '16) on her starring role in Broadway's "& Juliet!" Lorna was the recipient of multiple Alumni & Friends scholarships and awards, which helped her hone her craft, and look at her now! Read her interview in Glamour! www.glamour.com/story/lorna-courtney-its-about-time
Show information at: andjulietbroadway.com/
Broadway Breakout Lorna Courtney Is Grateful to Be Here
www.glamour.com
The New York native opens up about her path to the stage and covering the the world's biggest pop icons.She's fabulous! So nice to hear.
Love these LaGuardia (The original “Fame” high school.)insider tips. Seems so many very fortunate and successful people got their start there. Thanks for sharing and keep em coming!
Tuesday November 1st, 2022
Shoutout to Adam Ali-Perez (LaG '11, Instrumental) on his Broadway debut in "Hamilton!"
He is a Universal Swing, working with the New York cast through December 2022. He will be covering multiple tracks, in different companies of "Hamilton" through 2023.
Welcome back and Congrats Adam Ali-Perez!!! 👏🏾🍾
Monday October 31st, 2022
Happy Halloween from the haunted halls of LaGuardia! 💀🎃👻 #lagoween2022
Hailey BG
Very cool 😎
Friday October 28th, 2022
If you're in Seattle, see Soprano Laquita Mitchell (LaG '94) October 30 in the title role of "Josephine"- Tom Cipullo’s one-act monodrama based on the life of singer and dancer Josephine Baker, who escaped racism in America and found fame and success in France as an artist, a French Resistance hero and a civil rights activist. The program is paired with the world premiere of MOR commission Wertheim Park by Lori Laitman – a dramatic song weaving music and poetry together in a deeply moving elegy for the Dutch Jews lost to the Holocaust – and chamber works by Holocaust-era composers Max Vredenburg and Erwin Schulhoff.
Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall 200 University St Seattle, WA 98101
www.musicofremembrance.org
Join Singer and dancer Josephine Baker who escaped racism in America to find fame and success in France as an artist. Book your Tickets now!Friday October 28th, 2022
Enjoy some of the amazing Alumni Percussion Quintet from the Gabriel Kosakoff Memorial Concert on October 17, performing “Blue Rhythm” by Anthony Korf.
Four of the five alumni are playing the same parts they played at Music & Art in 1974! Justin DiCioccio conductor. Larry Aberman (‘82), Dan Druckman (‘76), Mark Sherman (‘75), Rand Steiger (‘75), Kenny Washington (‘76).
Ken & Dan was in my percussion ensemble classes & The Great Justin Di Cioccio was our Director & Teacher Amazing Performance
Ehran Elisha did you see this?
Ehran Elisha did you see this?
Thursday October 27th, 2022
We present the first LaG student concert of the year! Join us November 4 at 6:30pm for the LaGuardia Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra! Adults must show proof of vaccination and ID. Tickets are available online at laguardiahs.org/events and at the door (cash only).
Thursday October 27th, 2022
Congratulations to furniture designer Sophie Glenn (LaG '07)! Boston’s Society of Arts + Crafts announced that Sophie Glenn is the 2022 recipient of the John D. Mineck Fellowship, a high-profile award with an unrestricted $25,000 prize given annually to an early-career furniture artist. www.furninfo.com/furniture-industry-news/15666
Thanks for sharing!
Thursday October 20th, 2022
"Ron Carter: Finding the Right Notes" will air on PBS on Friday, October 21 at 9pm! We were so fortunate that he came to speak to LaGuardia jazz students - please enjoy the video!
"The jazz legend visits Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, alma mater to his two sons, to share insights from his life and music career with students studying jazz. Ron details how confronting racial injustices early in his career shaped his musical legacy."
Ron Carter: Finding the Right Notes | Ron Carter Visits LaGuardia High School | PBS
www.pbs.org
The jazz legend shares insights from life and music with high school jazz students.Dror Ben-Gur
I miss those rooms ❤
Ron Carter Jr. , yes we know and remember those days!😜
Thursday October 13th, 2022
Join us for the LaGuardia Faculty and Staff Art Show, Friday October 14, 1-7pm in the 2nd floor Art Gallery!
Wednesday October 12th, 2022
We look forward to celebrating the life and legacy of Gabriel Kosakoff on Monday, October 17 at 7pm in the LaGuardia Concert Hall. Please register today - tickets are free and advanced registration is required. www.eventbrite.com/e/gabriel-kosakoff-memorial-concert-october-17-tickets-422909974117Gabriel
Gabriel Kosakoff graduated from the High School of Music & Art in 1944, was part of the Instrumental Music Faculty beginning in 1956, and was the Chair of the department until 1991.
Former faculty member Justin DiCioccio is the music director for the event, which will feature performances by Bela Fleck, Larry Aberman, Daniel Druckman, Mark Sherman, Rand Steiger, Kenny Washington, and the LaGuardia High School Brass Ensemble.
The event will not be live-streamed but will be recorded for online viewing at a later date.
Gabriel Kosakoff Memorial Concert, October 17
www.eventbrite.com
Join us to honor the life and legacy of Gabriel Kosakoff