Alumni & Friends Updates
Read the latest news about our inspiring alumni and friends community!
Monday November 25th, 2024
Come celebrate the life and legacy of Richard Klein on Monday, December 9th at 7:30pm in LaGuardia High School's Little Flower Theater. Doors open at 7:00pm.
Friday November 22nd, 2024
Nathanya Alexander (LaG ‘16) stars as Didi in the short film “Tanning Zone”, which premiered at the end of October. Congratulations Nathanya!
Peter Adler M&A Art 1949 now at Jewish Home, 10 Link Drive, Rockleigh NJ
Tuesday November 19th, 2024
Get your tickets for LaGuardia High School’s All-School Musical: Into the Woods!
Step into the magical world of fairy tales with this incredible production, directed by Michael Herwitz (LaG ‘14).
Show Dates: December 5-8 & 12-15
✨ Gather your classmates and come together for a night to support your alma mater! Don’t miss the opportunity to watch LaGuardia’s talented students bring this iconic story to life!
🎟️ Get your tickets today! - www.tix.com/ticket-sales/laguardiahs/699
Thursday November 14th, 2024
Bruce Degen (M&A ’62), beloved illustrator of “The Magic School Bus” series, passed away last week at the age of 79. Over the years, he collaborated with author Joanna Cole on 14 books, bringing vibrant illustrations to life for generations of young readers.
Before his “Magic School Bus” success, Bruce was an art teacher in New York City public schools while freelancing as an illustrator. By the late ‘80s, his work on the series allowed him to pursue his passion full-time.
Bruce was also the author and illustrator of “Jamberry” and “I Gotta Draw”. His legacy will live on in the books he created and the countless lives he touched.
Rest in peace 🕊️
Rip
RIP -he was a senior when I was a sophomore. M &A 1964
I remember Bruce. We were in the same class. My condolences to his family. RIP dear Bruce!
Bruce and I were in several classes. He was very gifted and a sweet person.
Heard this on 1010 the other day and they mentioned he went to M&A. How amazing of a life he had. 🙏🏽
May his memory and art live on, and his memory be a blessing
🙏🏽🙏🏽
Bruce was my instructor for an evening course (children’s book illustrations) at the School of Visual Arts. During the first class when he took attendance, he asked if I had a cousin, named Danielle, with the same unusual surname. (She was a high school student in his art class.) The following week, he confirmed his student’s father’s name who was my first cousin. Due to family divorces, I had not yet met my cousin’s daughter. Bruce helped us connect and we met 40 years ago! This was years before The Magic School Bus success. My cousin and I thank Bruce for connecting us! Janet Sibarium M& A ‘66
I was lucky enough to have him as an instructor in high school. He was wonderful.
Tuesday November 12th, 2024
Don’t miss the Fall Jazz Concert, this Friday, November 15th at 6:00PM!
Monday November 4th, 2024
Justin Austin (LaG ‘10) was named a Rising Star at the 2024 International Opera Awards! This prestigious honor was announced during a gala in Munich on October 2nd.
Justin kicked off his 2024-2025 season with his house debut at the Los Angeles Opera as Mercutio in “Romeo and Juliet” on November 2nd. Congratulations, Justin!
Wednesday October 30th, 2024
Join Marcello Pellitteri this Sunday, November 3rd at 5:30 PM at Birdland Jazz Club for a special benefit concert honoring his daughter, Veronica Pellitteri.
Proceeds will support the “Veronica Pellitteri Memorial Fund,” awarded to an exceptional vocal or instrumental music student to aid in their musical journey.
Marcello will be joined by an All-Star band featuring Bruce Barth on piano, Essiet Okon Essiet on bass, Vinicius Barros on percussion, plus some special surprise guests!
Get your tickets here — www.birdlandjazz.com/tm-event/marcello-pellitteri-benefit-for-the-veronica-pellitteri-memorial-fund/
Students with ID who pay at the door receive over 50%. Don’t miss this heartfelt evening!
Friday October 25th, 2024
Shamel Pitts (LaG ‘03) has been named one of the 2024 MacArthur Fellows for his groundbreaking work in experimental performance inspired by Afrofuturism and innovative approaches to collective world-building.
The MacArthur awards—often referred to as “genius grants”—are presented annually to individuals who, according to the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, have demonstrated extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a remarkable capacity for self-direction.
Shamel joins a distinguished group of alumni who have previously received MacArthur Awards!
Monday September 30th, 2024
Excited to share the 2024-25 LaGuardia Performance Calendar!
Let us know if you’ll be attending any shows—we’d love to connect!
You can find the calendar in the link in our bio, on our website, and on the LaGuardia High School site.
Hi! My daughter is part of a theater program. I'd love to arrange a group to attend Into the Woods. Is there a group rate or any info I can share?
That's great. Feel free to reach out to us at info@alumniandfriends.org and we can work to organize something
Monday September 23rd, 2024
September means it’s time for new and returning shows on our screens! A big shout-out to our amazing alumni whose shows are premiering this month:
Grace Van Patten (LaG ‘14) kicked off Season 2 of “Tell Me Lies” on September 4th
Gina Torres (LaG ‘86) leads the final season of “9-1-1: Lone Star,” starting September 23rd
Tichina Arnold (LaG ‘87) is back as Rochelle in the new animated series “Everybody Still Hates Chris,” premiering September 25th. Plus, don’t miss Season 7 of “The Neighborhood” coming in October!
Micaela Diamond (LaG ‘17) stars in Ryan Murphy’s new series “Grotesquerie,” with the first episode also debuting September 25th
Friday September 13th, 2024
With the Toronto International Film Festival coming to a close this weekend, we wanted to shout out 3 of our incredible alumni whose films premiered over the course of the festival.
Jharrel Jerome (LaG ‘15) stars as Anthony Robles in “Unstoppable”
Morena Baccarin (LaG ‘96) stars as Tina in “Millers in Marriage”
Ving Rhames (PA ‘77) stars as Thunderbolt in “The Wild Robots”
Congratulations to all three!!
WE are everywhere!
Tuesday September 3rd, 2024
***FLASH SALE*** In honor of the first day of school we are doing a flash sale today through Friday, September 6th!!
Use code FDOS to get 20% off LaG hoodies and crew necks! Visit the following link to shop - alumniandfriends.org/product-category/products/
Shop now while supplies last!
It’s amazing how uninspired the design is. You would never know this is a school for the Arts.
So High School of the Performing Arts and High School of Music & Art dont get any love, honor or recognition? I can put together a great and exciting line for us!
Do they still have the logo shirts, with all 5 majors depicted (it had a palette, ballet shoes, Comedy and Tragedy, etc)?
Abigail Rose do you want one?
Friday August 9th, 2024
Congratulations to Isabela Ferrer (LaG ‘18) on starring in “It Ends With Us”! We are so proud and cannot wait to see it!
She was wonderful!
Wednesday August 7th, 2024
Huge congratulations to Holly Kaplan (LaG ‘12) on the New York premiere of her short film “Sunflower Girl” at the 47th Asian American International Film Festival! Holly wrote, directed, and produced this incredible film, which explores the struggles of a 13-year-old girl balancing family responsibilities with her social life in NYC.
Special shoutout to fellow LaGuardia Class of 2012 alumni who Kaplan collaborated with to help create this film: Mischelle Moy (Production Design), Cindy Lan (Score Strings Musician), and Kirk Pearson (Additional Sound Design).
Omg Holly Kaplan congrats!! Not in NY but would love a chance to see it and celebrate your success!
Tuesday August 6th, 2024
🎉 New Merch Alert! 🎉
Check out our latest collection of T-shirts, crew necks, hoodies, and sweatpants, now available under the tab "Shop" on the Alumni & Friends website. Follow this link to shop the new Music & Art and LaGuardia pieces today - alumniandfriends.org/product-category/products/
Don't miss out—grab your favorites now! 👕👖🧥
Is there any way to purchase your class ring (68) again. Lost it years ago🥲
How about a Performing Arts Alumni Shirt?
Would love the M&A alum tshirt in a long sleeved version. Any chance of that?
Also that black LaGuardia HS hoodie is awesome, love that it’s just the words and no logo—please make a t shirt version I have several alumni who’d love it!!
Trying to order the gray LaGuardia T shirt -picture is gray t but color on the order says maroon... will order maroon if it is the only option - but wondering if gray is available?
I need! our year had The Fame school written across! Create more of those! Class of 08.
Wednesday July 24th, 2024
Our condolences go out to the Heckheimer family, for the loss of Charles Heckheimer this past June.
Charles Heckheimer was a beloved music teacher at both the High School of Music and Art and later Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts from 1977-1992. It was at LaGuardia that he created and developed the school’s Instrument Repair Workshop. On Charles’ 90th birthday, Alumni & Friends dedicated and placed a plaque in the Workshop to honor his many years of involvement with the school.
At LaGuardia, Charles was best known for his strict command of the classroom, quick wit, colorful neckties, and distinctive handmade belt buckles. To this day his students express their gratitude and recall how he changed their lives for the better.
The family will be holding a memorial in his honor later this fall. You can read his full obituary here - plattmemorial.com/obituaries/charles-heckheimer
Prayers and condolences
Any former class of 62 on this site. I think of Fred Thaler, Eddie Schiff , Ernie Miller, Robert Eigenberg, Richard Aschenbrand, Ronald Gross, Tony Martin, Bob Ende , Wally Wohl, Dave Rib, Wilbur Richburg, Tommy Windom, Louie Velez. Any more of my baseball teammates. Any ladies. I’ve heard from the former Winifred Hoshino, Who remembers my favorite Social Studies teacher and Coach - Abe Beller.
Sending the family deepest condolences 💐
My condolences to his family and friends 🙏🏾
Angel Colon
Rest in peace Mr Heckheimer +++ I remember him even though I was a voice major. Maybe he taught music theory too?
Condolences to the family RIP Mr Heckheimer.
RIP
A treasured memory of Mr. Heckheimer's sharp and sophisticated wit: I was present in Mr. Kosakoff's office during a live demonstration by a sales rep of a new electronic 88-key keyboard. This was circa 1988, when sampling technology was in its infancy. The sales rep demonstrated the instrument's various sounds: "piano," "organ," "strings" etc., before switching on the "harpsichord" sound. After a few seconds Mr. Kosakoff skeptically asked aloud "Does that sound like a real harpsichord to anyone?" and Mr. Heckheimer immediately chimed in: "No, it's too much in tune!" Love and condolences to his family and friends, and may his memory be a blessing.
Ohh the memories.... 💖
Condolences to his Family. ❤️🥲❤️
Mr. Heckheimer was my JHS band teacher at JHS 141, 1967 - 69. I was happy to see him at the memorial for Gabriel Kosakoff at LaGuardia a while back and got a chance to say hello to him and tell him I'd played flute in his band. He was not at LaGuardia (M&A) when I attended (class of '72), but I'll bet that was a perfect fit for him.
My sincere condolences to the family Rest in Peace 🙏 🪦 😌 ☹️ 😔 ✌️
Thursday July 18th, 2024
#tbt (Throwback Thursday) to the class of 1974 who celebrated their 50th reunion with us this year! To help mix past and present, we combined a few of our favorite shots from then and now!
Friday July 12th, 2024
We can’t stop thinking about last month’s reunion and wanted to share more fun moments we had with our alumni!
Surely, you’ve got photos of the wonderful 50th anniversary class of ‘74??
my friends are always astonished, when I tell them that I love going to my high school reunions! Going to music and art was the best thing that happened to me as a young person. class of 1967. 
Monday July 8th, 2024
Our alumni did lots of awesome things throughout June! Shoutout to a few of their amazing accomplishments!
Photo #1 - Marlon Wayans’ (LaG ’90) comedy special “Good Grief” premiered on June 4th
Photo #2 - Kecia Lewis-Evans (PA ’82) won her first Tony Award for “Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical” for her role in “Hell’s Kitchen”
Photo #3 - Maya Williams Lippman (M&A ’76) released her debut novel CROSSROADS, including a mention of Music and Art HS
Photo #4 - Camille A. Brown (LaG ’97) won a Chita Rivera Award for “Outstanding Choreography in a Broadway Show” for her work on “Hell’s Kitchen”. She was also nominated for a Tony Award for “Best Choreography”
Photo #5 - Sarah Paulson (LaG ’93) won her first Tony Award for winner for “Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play” for “Appropriate”
Photo #6 - Norman Narotzky’s (M&A ’45) painting Paisaje Ardiendo was prominently displayed in the exhibition, Informalismo en Catalunya, 1956-1966 at the Museum d’Art de Girona
Photo #7 - Jonathan Tunick (M&A ’54) won his second Tony Award for “Best Orchestrations” for “Merrily We Roll Along”
Photo # 8 - Charles Fox (M&A ’58) performed in a one-night-only concert at the Cutting Room NYC on June 26th
We love hearing about what alumni are doing, please share your exciting projects with us!
Friday June 28th, 2024
We are deeply sorry to announce that Richard Klein died yesterday, June 27th, at the age of 94. He was Principal of the High School of Music and Art and simultaneously of The High School of Performing Art. He presided over the unification of the two schools in 1984, which created Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and the Performing Arts (about which the movie Fame was based). Under his leadership, the successor school became what is arguably the finest public high school of the arts in the United States.
Richard’s contribution to public education in the arts extended beyond New York and he subsequently was a founder and the first Principal of the New World School of the Arts in Miami and, after that, a director of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C.
Thus, there are many generations of students who have benefited from his visionary insights into the importance of integrating arts and academic education within the public sphere.
Richard Klein’s commitment to students and their education for many decades and in different iterations has affected the sensibilities and lives of thousands of young people, including many who did not become arts professionals, but gained an enhanced appreciation the arts.
He will be greatly missed.
Oh….our dear Mr Klein ! PA ‘75 This is exactly how I remember him! RIP🥲
May his memory be a blessing.
He was a great Principal
Rest In Peace sir
He was a genial person, but he had an enormous task: every year, he had to fight the Board of Education for allotments to allow the dance program (at Performing Arts) and the music programs (at Performing Arts and M&A) to continue at the same level (the Board of Education kept trying to cut the budgets). In hindsight, his tenacity did keep Music & Art and Performing Arts at peak capacity, and the faculty and resources continued to be as strong as possible.
He will be greatly missed. He always took time out for students and was an empathetic listener. Praying for God's perfect peace and comfort for his family. 🙏🦋💝
Always walking through the halls with a smile on his face ! M&A “83🙏💔
Knew him... Met him after Wechsler left... (I did 'service' in the Main Office at M&A when I was a student there '64-'67.) He was a very sweet man...
Rest gently among the angels, Mr. Klein. You did much good for a great many young people. Thank you.
R.I.P.
Great Principal and person. Will be present always
So sad to see this news. We were so fortunate to have such a great principal. Always caring, always listening to his students and teachers in whatever they needed. He always knew how to get the job done and be there for each and every one of us. A lovely man, he will be missed. My condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and students.
Mr. Klein was the one person who saw me, pushed me and encouraged me! He even developed a friendship with my grandmother who he made feel good about my choice at PA vs M&A! He will be missed.
Awwww 😢 He was such a nice man
So very sad to read that Mr. Klein passed away. He was a kind and wonderful man. I still have the letter he sent on my behalf to Barnard College as well as many others over the years. He truly will be missed and NEVER forgotten😭🙏😭
He was a great principal! Strong leader and lover of the arts.
Wow, a life well lived, I am grateful for his leadership! M& A '83 🙏
A wonderful, kind man, great.Principal. My condolences to all. RIP Mr. Klein. 🙏🏽❤️
Oh wow Rip in peace
Rest in peace Mr. Klein!
He was a great principal! When the basketball team got in a big fight after a game at MLK H.S which we did not start - he made sure they were suspended for the year and bought us brand new uniforms for the championship game and met with us to make sure that we were ok.
Greatest principal of all times. Class”77
He was always present— greeting us as we walked through the halls ‘84 (last graduating class at the castle).
100% Class act! Always appeared dapper and he held the standard. Thank you Sir.