Alumni News
Read our 2018 Alumni Notes newsletter!
Wednesday July 17th, 2019
A great feature on Awkwafina (aka Nora Lum, LaG '06) and her new film "The Farewell."
"Awkwafina plays Billi, a Chinese-American woman (based on Wang herself) who discovers that her Nai Nai (the Mandarin term for grandmother) has stage IV cancer and only three months to live. Which is devastating enough—and then she finds out that, per Chinese tradition, her family has decided to keep the diagnosis a secret from Nai Nai. When Billi and her parents go visit Nai Nai in China, they are forced to pretend everything is perfectly fine, an act of achingly hidden pre-bereavement."
www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/07/awkwafina-the-farewell-interview
Awkwafina Finds Herself in The Farewell
vanityfair.com
“I feel like I have been preparing for this, in a way, my whole life.”She was on Live with Kelly and Ryan talking about it this morning.
didn't know she was alum. cool!
Tuesday July 16th, 2019
Shout out to LaG/PA '87 alumna Cecil Castellucci whose new graphic novel memoir "Girl on Film" will be released November 2019! Castellucci is an award-winning young adult novelist and Eisner-nominated comic book writer and tells us that many parts of her book take place in the old PA building and LaGuardia.
www.shelf-awareness.com/dedicated-issue.html?issue=48#m287
Good for you Miss Cecil. ....
So cool!!
Tuesday July 16th, 2019
Congratulations to LaG '15 alum Jharrel Jerome on his first Emmy nomination for the Netflix miniseries "When They See Us," the story of the Central Park Five. Jerome portrays Korey Wise. He previously starred in the Oscar-winning film "Moonlight."
www.vibe.com/2019/07/jharrel-jerome-earns-first-emmy-nomination-for-when-they-see-us
Jharrel Jerome Earns First Emmy Nomination For "When They See Us"
vibe.com
Jharrel Jerome's powerful performance in When They See Us has earned the actor an Emmy nomination.Congratulations!
Big congratulations from an older alum!
Kudos Jharrel and continued success!
Fabulous performance. Definitely a rising star!
Proud of you! Congratulations !
Congratulations! 💕
Congratulations!!!
He’s one of us??? Oh my, much Congratulations!🎉🎊🍾🎈
That's fantastic!Congratulations!!!!
Congrats!
We see you!
Congratulations Jharrel Jerome!
Congratulations to Jharrel!
What He is a fabulous actor why am i not surprised...Music and Art Class of 79 and his performance in Moonlight oh my God
Fabulous. He was great!
Yamani Da Silva
Tuesday July 16th, 2019
A great feature on LaG '89 alumna Cara Buono, star of "Stranger Things" on Netflix! www.nytimes.com/2019/07/04/arts/television/stranger-things-mrs-wheeler-and-billy.html
‘Stranger Things’: Mrs. Wheeler and Billy Pick Up Where They Left Off
nytimes.com
Cara Buono, who plays Mrs. Wheeler, discusses Season 3 and her part in one of the show’s most provocative pairings.Pete Vavalle
Monday July 15th, 2019
What a great photo of 'Mad Magazine' contributors Al Jaffee and Will Elder, both M&A '40, in the cafeteria of Music & Art High School.
boingboing.net/2019/07/13/rip-mad-magazine.html
Al Jaffee's MAD Life: how a traumatized kid from the shtetl became an American satire icon
boingboing.net
Al Jaffee's MAD Life: how a traumatized kid from the shtetl became an American satire iconI never knew. Love that they were M&Aers
I always heard the names ; Will Elder and Harvey Kurtzman in regard To MAD when I attended M&A ( ‘59-62 ). I’ve got the big book of the comic book/ magazine’s history.
I love this magazine... always did... got into trouble for having it on my desk during 'parent observation day' in 6th grade!!! LOL!!!
Oh, my! That must be in the original cafeteria on the sixth floor, If they were M&A class of 40!
I believe Al Jaffe is in his late 90’s now
Monday July 15th, 2019
A great piece on 'Mad Magazine' and its famed contributor Al Jaffee (M&A '40), the magazine’s longest-tenured contributor, and the artist behind the “fold-in” feature on the back page. The magazine was founded by the comic book artist and editor Harvey Kurtzman (M&A '41) in 1952. www.nytimes.com/2019/07/12/opinion/mad-magazine-last-issue.html
Opinion | The World According to Mad Magazine
nytimes.com
Grown-ups who worried it was a subversive influence on America’s youth were 100 percent correct.I recommend Al's biography, "Al Jaffee's Mad Life"by Mary Lou Weisman - full of Al's illustrations.
Christy Rio Flaim! Your favorite.
Monday July 15th, 2019
Please read this wonderful note from our Interim Acting LaGuardia principal, Yeou-Jey Vasconcelos:
Dear Faculty, Staff, Students, Parents, Guardians, Alumni, and Friends,
It is with great honor and privilege that I greet you as the Interim Acting Principal of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts.
I began my career in the New York City public schools as the Music Director of Eleanor Roosevelt High School. I quickly scaled up my vision of excellence for the music department, and began to oversee all aspects of administration and supervision as Assistant Principal. In 2016, I became the Principal of Talent Unlimited High School, and further leveraged my networks in education, the arts, and academia. My academic history includes a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Music from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts in Music and Music Education from Columbia University, and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from New York University. I was also fortunate to participate in further studies in music and pedagogy at Temple, Princeton, Duquesne, and Rider Universities.
As a child, I demonstrated a penchant for observing and engaging with musical elements. While my cousins took turns sewing patterns on grandma’s Singer machine, I listened intently to the rhythmic undulation of the stitches. While my older siblings received corrections on their posture and wrist shape during their lessons, I sat under the piano eagerly awaiting the melodies about to take shape. When my father casually hummed folk songs, I would run to the mysterious black and white keys to decipher the pitches. My mother noticed, and didn’t take no for an answer when she was told by the piano teacher I was too young. I started my formal music training, but more importantly, learned a lesson in relentlessly tapping into a potential.
When my high school band director (the inspiration for J. K. Simmons’ character in Whiplash) introduced me to the trombone, music transformed from an independent pursuit to a collaborative experience. Throughout college, graduate school, and my early career I maintained musical studies and penned quite a few essays extolling performing arts as the fuel for learning: the persistence and self-reflection from practicing challenging passages; the patience and open-mindedness from rehearsing with diverse perspectives; the precision and attention from analyzing patterns, I concluded, was the perfect vehicle for teaching inquiry.
My work as the principal of a performing arts school has demonstrated the power of arts education. As a musician, I am blessed to have experienced the intimate processes of actors, dancers, and visual artists. I was invited to engage in collaborative projects across the arts, making unequivocal statements about identity, equity, and social justice. Through the arts, we communicate in the most human way possible – by sharing experiences and soliciting emotional responses. When the arts become limited, so become our voices. LaGuardia stands for education in the arts, and in turn, for the voices of our students. I am committed to ensuring that arts education – education focusing on human interactions – is always at the core of our work.
I am excited to have begun conversations with faculty and staff, students, parents and guardians, alumni, and partners, who have generously shared their time, experience, and expertise. I thank Executive Superintendent Rosales and Superintendent Orlen for their support as we work together in this incredible community of intergenerational stakeholders.
I look forward to us sharing with each other our belief in the power of the arts, education, and arts education. Along the way, we will reflect, revel, and revise to protect the integrity of our mission at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts.
Best,
Yeou-Jey Vasconcelos
Principal I.A.
Yeou-Jey Vasconcelos
Principal I.A.
Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
100 Amsterdam Ave, New York New York 10023
T(212)496-0700 F(212)724-5748
www.laguardiahs.org
I am happy and hopeful that LaGuardia will thrive and be the best school that I remember. Welcome to the new I.A. principal. I hope to meet with you in the future M&A class of '84 (music)
We welcome you and look forward to you upholding and reinstating the standard of the Arts that we the graduates were allowed and led to learn, grow, exspand, create and enjoy. This school it's teachers, faculty and students are special. Please take care to continue the love, the life, and the pure joy that the Arts bring to us all.
Excellent letter. Tom Reingold, Voice 1978
Welcome, and wishing you and LaGuardia all the best! Greta Berman, M and A class of 1961. Was a music major in h.s. But got my PH. D in art history, and am about to start my 42nd year teaching art history at Juilliard - right down the block from you!
“The Best of Both Worlds” AKA Class of 1986 wishes you a warm hearted welcome!
Come on in the room ! Have a blast and keep our legacy alive ❤️
Welcome! Your message and tone give me hope for the future of LaG. As a '98 visual arts major that is now a student affairs educator and administrator in higher ed, I appreciate your blending of focus on mission, education, and the student experience, all of which were so unique and formative at LaG. Best of luck!
Thankyou and good luck Class of 1966😊
Class of 1984, the last graduating class from the Castle on the Hill, wishes you the best of luck in your new endeavor.
Welcome. Love our kids! That's all we ask.
Amen!!!!! Music clas of ‘64
The Alumni of the Class of 1985 - 1st Graduating class from the New School - extends a warm welcome to you! Wishing you success in your tenure at Laguardia! Keep their dreams alive!
Welcome! Very excited to keep the amazing vision of our school alive!
Quite a resume. And a trombonist!
Breathing a sigh of relief and wishing you all the best from this alumni, Class of ‘71 who lives right down the block!
Class of 1984, welcomes you. Good luck
Welcome to your new opportunity to further education with the amazing power & benefits of the arts. As a 71 alumni who has made my home in Bloomington, Indiana (home to the largest & one of the finest comprehensive music schools in the world), I have followed the highs and lows of LaGuardia High School all along. Your message is encouraging with the hopes of saving the rich culture LaGuardia High School and helping it achieve new heights.
Yep, she gets it, and I believe her commitment to educational excellence through the arts as the primary vehicle. Good job on getting great principal everyone.
We'll miss you!
M&A 84, welcome!
Brava. Voice alum class of 62 M&A .....
WELCOME !
Welcome!
The power of arts, education and arts education... A minority female...hmmm Gonna pray for her!
Welcome!!!
Friday July 12th, 2019
Shout out to LaG '18 alum Evan Dominguez, who is directing Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House" at Sanctuary Theater at St. Johns Lutheran Church (81 Christopher Street, NY) August 8-11 and 15-18. Evan was a recipient of an Alumni & Friends summer study grant as well as the recipient of the Alumni & Friends Graduation Award for an outstanding student in the drama department.
Tickets are $15 and are available at adollshouse.brownpapertickets.com.
The cast is comprised of graduate, current and soon-to-be students of the Neighborhood Playhouse. This process grew over the course of our first year at the conservatory and gradually came together as more playhouse friends joined the company.
Friday July 12th, 2019
Read a great feature on LaG '86 alumna Gina Torres, and her new drama “Pearson,” debuting July 17, 2019 on USA Network. www.nytimes.com/2019/07/12/arts/television/gina-torres-suits-pearson.html
Gina Torres on ‘Suits,’ Meghan Markle and ‘Pearson’
nytimes.com
She’s bringing Jessica Pearson out of retirement to star in a new political drama as a fixer in Chicago.Friday July 12th, 2019
Hooray for LaG '16 dance alum Dharon Jones, who will be making his Broadway Debut as Action in the 2020 revival of "West Side Story!" Dharon was a recipient of an Alumni & Friends summer study scholarship and the Father Fame Graduation Award, courtesy of "Father Fame" David de Silva.
www.playbill.com/article/isaac-powell-shereen-pimentel-more-set-for-west-side-story-broadway-revival
Congratulations and blessings
So awesome! Congrats!
Congratulations@
Bravo!!
Congratulations
Outstanding!!! ❤️❤️
Way to Go Dharon!!! Congratulations Barbara Bern-Glus PA 1972
Congratulations!!!
I told you not to forget the little people when you’re famous! Hahaha. Always knew you would make. You are amazingly talented xo
So happy for you son!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations!
Congratulations
Congrats!!
Congrats Cuz
He's such a great young man!
Congrats from M&A-er '69
unreal. Congrats Dharon!!!! 🎊🎊🎊
Congratulations, Dharon!!!!!
Wow!!
Way to go Dharon!❤️
Thursday July 11th, 2019
If you're in Tokyo, check out LaG '90 alum Yoichiro Yoda's exhibit "Art Day by Day: 50 Years of the Yoda Family in New York." Through September 8, 2019 at Mitaka Gallery of Art: mitaka-sportsandculture.or.jp/gallery/event/20190629/
Thursday July 11th, 2019
Today is "Thankful Thursday!" We are so appreciative of our amazing students, alumni, and supporters and want to share gratitude. Please read this wonderful note by Lorna Courtney, LaG '16 vocal major, the recipient of numerous Alumni & Friends scholarships and awards that helped her on her path to BROADWAY! Lorna will be making her Broadway debut in "Dear Evan Hansen" as Alana, this Saturday, July 13th at 8pm. Tickets are on sale at dearevanhansen.com/tickets#broadway. Standing room tickets are also available same day. #thankfulthursday
I just saw her last week! She was FANTASTIC!! #LaG4Life
Beautiful.
Tuesday July 9th, 2019
For those in the Oakland, CA area, LaG alumni from 1989 and 1990 are planning a reunion for all alumni from LaGuardia, M&A, and PA on Saturday, July 20, 2019. The day consists of a 2:30pm hike to the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland (chabotspace.org/) from the Joaquin Miller Playground, followed by drinks at Ale Industries (aleindustries.com) from 5-8pm. All alumni are welcome!
Wow. I graduated in 1986 and I live in Oakland.
I’m an alum too- class of 1964. Didn’t know you were. What did you major in?
See you all there!
Ummm •looking beyond Mars? •!
Tuesday July 9th, 2019
This morning Superintendent Vivian Orlen introduced us to Yeou-Jey Vasconcelos, LaGuardia's new interim acting principal, and we are all extremely excited to welcome her to our amazing community of artists!
She shares a passion for the arts, with a Master's in Educational Leadership from NYU and a Master's in Music and Music Education from Columbia University. Ms. Vasconcelos began her DOE career as Music Director at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, where she served in various roles for 10 years. She has served as principal of Talented Unlimited High School since 2015-16. (She's already sporting the LaGuardia tote bag that Alumni & Friends distributed at the 2019 alumni reunion, designed by LaG '89 alum Rithy Chan.)
Largely thanks to the integrity and dignified activism of the students, our beloved School moves forward. I am reminded of M&A’s school song which begins “Now Upward in Wonder.” And sadly, though M&A 51 alumnus Martin Charnin has just died, he left us with “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow” and indeed it feels that way for LaGuardia!
Wonderful meet and greet this morning! Lots of positivity! Love that she is so approachable! Excited for her vibrant energy to restore and reboot our school!
Cheers to this great news!!!!!
Wonderful news
Sounds really promising! 👏🏼👏🏼
Yay!
Monday July 8th, 2019
This just in ... "The Department of Education has named Yeou-Jey Vasconcelos, principal of Talent Unlimited High School on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, to serve as interim acting principal of LaGuardia"
www.wsj.com/articles/fame-high-school-in-new-york-city-names-acting-principal-11562621935
‘Fame’ High School in New York City Names Acting Principal
wsj.com
New York City makes the appointment after the principal’s abrupt departure at school of arts made famous in a 1980 movie. Students had threatened to turn their backs on the principal during grad...So happy my son graduated in 2017 and had Dr. Mars for all 4 years . He received a stellar academic education while practicing his craft with no compromises.
It is difficult to imagine anyone more destructive than Dr. Mars .. I pray Ms. Vasconcelos truly listens to everyone now .. and is capable of restoring things, after all the hurt and damage Dr. Mars inflicted.
"She has served as principal of Talented Unlimited High School since 2015-16. " False. She was installed at TU in October of 2016.
Talented Unlimited! Wow! So proud to be alum. Go.Lagm GO!
That is a nice promotion for that candidate, seems at least on the surface to be a great interim choice. Does anyone know anything the candidate’s policy agendas and performance at TU?
I hope she has it all and will be fair. I was accepted to TU many years ago but my mom forced me to follow my family at M&A/LaG. I’m glad she did! 🥰
Wonderful 😌
I had a co-worker named Steve Vasconcelos many years ago, Any relation?
She was great at El Ro!
Can she sing, dance or paint?
Gonna pray.
Steven Munoz
Brenden Scarda-checkout the read...🤓
Stefanie Barlow
May not be a popular opinion here: the school has very very long hours. Coupled with 1.5 hrs of commute each way for many kids (and many are stubborn with school choices insisting they “can do it”) can result in kids who are not prepared academically to slide down in their academic success significantly. My child just finished her freshman year. She was not home from 6:30 am to around 5 pm most of the days, and needless to say, she was exhausted most of the year. Her grades were slightly worse this year than in junior high school. Next year her schedule will be full 10 hours and we are bracing ourselves. It’s tough and to admit kids who are struggling when they have shorter days/commute to something this challenging is to set some of them on a path to failure and disappointment. Talent Unlimited, PPAS, special Music school have shorter days. PPAS is much close to multiple subway lines. I would actually prefer if my daughter commute was as “easy” as the one to PPAS, but she wouldn’t hear about other schools given LaGuardia. So, I am completely for keeping academics as a criteria for admittance
Monday July 8th, 2019
Important Announcement from Superintendent Vivian Orlen - please click the link to read her letter to the LaGuardia community:
"I am pleased to inform you that effective immediately, Ms. Yeou-Jey Vasconcelos has been appointed Interim Acting Principal for LaGuardia. Ms. Vasconcelos comes to you from Talent Unlimited High School on the East Side, where she served as principal for four years.
We are confident that Ms. Vasconcelos will be a powerful, capable leader for LaGuardia's extraordinary student
body, its staff, and all families. She is passionate about the arts, holding a Master's in Educational Leadership from NYU and a Master's in Music and Music Education from Columbia University. Ms. Vasconcelos began her DOE career as Music Director at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, where she served in various roles for 1O years. She has served as principal of Talented Unlimited High School since 2015-16. "
www.laguardiahs.org/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=576747&id=0
I pray that Ms. Vasconcelos can step in on short notice and take up the mantle. LaGuardia deserves the very best in leadership.
Such good news for LaGuardia. So many talented children lost out on attending LaGuardia due to Dr. Mars taking academics over audition scores.
I will try and stay positive. She comes from two very small schools: 1/4 -1/5 of Laguardia’s size. Hope she can handle the workload.
Sounds good on paper! We shall see cause we are watching diligently💯👀👀👀👀🧐
Hallelujah!! 🙌💖👌
Sounds like a better choice. Looks like the superintendent did her homework and researched a bit more for this placement.
I teach across the street and see what AP for all is doing at a regular school I cant imagine what it did at LAG.
Alumni be ready to support in any way. Mars was stuff from what 2013.. and no one listened from the DOE because the pro AP for all push is citywide
That was awfully fast.
Abigail Rose
WHOAAAA
Monday July 8th, 2019
Check out this great piece featuring M&A '84 alum Rudel Drears (and we spotted the Alumni & Friends 2016 Gospel Choir Alumni Concert flyer in the background, designed by LaG '87 alum Zachary Mabry): newyork.cbslocal.com/2019/07/04/snapshot-new-york-edgecombe-avenue-jazz-apartment/?fbclid=IwAR0FH...
Snapshot NY: Tiny Harlem Apartment Home To Popular Jazz Parlor
newyork.cbslocal.com
On Sundays in Harlem's Sugar Hill, the sounds of jazz bring one apartment building to life.OMG Yes there is the program! My classmates are awesome! Thanks y'all! 🤣😃😍😘 Zachary Mabry !
Monday July 8th, 2019
Happy summer to everyone! If you did not receive the recent Alumni & Friends E-Newsletter on July 3 that means we do not have your email address in our alumni database! Please make sure to sign up here so you don't miss important information about alumni events, school performances and exhibits, and so much more! alumniandfriends.org/connect
I come from the class of PA 58. I think you should invite alumni from the first 10 years from PA every year. We are the most senior of the group and you never know 🙏🏻
I was in the 1st year of PA.It" SAVED THE DAY"! I won the" Drama Award" (from Metropolitan Vocation H.S)...46th St. was MY HOME!
Monday July 8th, 2019
Congratulations to LaGuardia Class of 2019! What an amazing graduation and spirited end of the year! We are so proud of the class of 2019 for being strong and effective leaders and making sure their voices were heard.
Read our Alumni Summer Highlights E-Newsletter to see reunion photos and get updates on what's been happening at LaGuardia, including leadership changes and more!
conta.cc/2Jkc258
I am a proud mom of a class of 2019 graduate! I’m M&A class of 81!
Glad to find the group! I have not in been back to the NY metro area since 1990. I am an M&A Castle grad of 1974! I had great experiences and education there. Music has always been part of me and hopefully always will be!🎼
Friday June 21st, 2019
Tonight! June 21 at 7pm the LaGuardia Senior Jazz Band will be performing for the Make Music New York celebration with Gail Brewer, Manhattan Borough President, at Carl Schurz Park, 86th Street and East End Avenue (use the 84th or 87th St. entrance for wheelchair access) FREE.
www.manhattanbp.nyc.gov/event/make-music-new-york
Thursday June 20th, 2019
The LaGuardia Dance Ensemble will be performing this Friday, June 21 at Bryant Park at 6pm! Free and no tickets necessary! Choreography by Tommy Tibball, Thomas Hogan and Darrell Grand Moultrie.
Four dance companies will be performing.
www.nycgovparks.org/events/2019/06/21/contemporary-dance
Monday June 17th, 2019
We're getting excited for the remake of "West Side Story" starring Ansel Elgort (LaG '12) as Tony, with Adriel Fly Flete (LaG '16) as a Shark and Corey Stoll (LaG '94) as Lieutenant Schrank! LaGuardia representing! The movie is scheduled to arrive in theaters December 2020.
www.playbill.com/article/get-a-first-look-at-tony-maria-and-the-sharks-and-jets-from-the-new-west...
playbill.com
Steven Spielberg directs the upcoming adaptation of the musical, slated to premiere in December 2020.I love this. We continue to be active in our country’s cultural life. I think it’s neat that Tony will be played by a LaGuardia grad… Since the “new” school is on the site of the locations where the first film version was made!
Love that we as alumni here are so represented in this most current remake!! And with all the collaboration involved, let’s hope it’s a good one!!!🌈🎵🔮
One of my favorite movies- especially the dance and musical scenes!
I'm very curious to see how Spielberg is going to do justice to the original material in the current cultural climate.
Let’s see if it’s as good as the December 1998 LaGuardia presentation of West Side Story
I wonder if Spielberg will get the voices right. Not only did Marni Nixon do quite a bit of singing for Natalie Wood, she even did some of Rita Moreno’s.
Looking forward although some films shouldn't be remade!
Mario Castro Paul Reggio
Luis Moret
good afternoon. I'm looking for a friend who use to go to this school about 10 years ago. by the name of laquanda hollandsworth does anybody no her ?
♥️♥️
Dr. Mars should watch it and then justify her plans to prioritize A+s in academics above auditions.
Michael Patrick Coughlin Antonia Russo Madeline Saint-Cyr Ali Babu Che Johnson - hopefully they are taking notes from our production. 😉
Not to forget Nat Divatoro (Natalie Toro), M&A class of '82!!!
Looking forward although some films shouldn't be remade!
Monday June 17th, 2019
Check out M&A '71 alum Lloyd Green's books about M&A: 'AUDITION STORIES – I Got Accepted To The High School of Music and Art' - www.amazon.com/dp/1717870171
"Regardless of the year, every student had to go through THE AUDITION in order to be accepted. These are the stories from alumni who experienced the anxiety of being tested and soon found that that glorious feeling of getting in was only the beginning."
And 'PRECIOUS MEMORIES – Audition Stories and More From The High School of Music and Art.'
In Kindle and Paperback (Black & White or Full Color)
www.amazon.com/dp/1092215298
www.amazon.com/dp/1092783881
"Again, The Castle beckons. Book Two of Audition Stories - More talented students reminisce and share their experiences. Filled with anxiety and joy from those who dreamed of becoming part of a very special place."
Monday June 17th, 2019
This Saturday, June 22 at 2pm catch the amazing LaGuardia New Music Ensemble at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 (196 Allen Street). Showtime is 2pm, doors at 1:30pm. All ages invited. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. It'll be a great show! www.eventbrite.com/e/laguardia-high-school-new-music-ensemble-tickets-61177951901
Monday June 17th, 2019
The school year is almost over but there are many great events featuring LaGuardia students!
Sing4PR is a benefit concert featuring the voices of NYC's LaGuardia High School and all proceeds will be donated to the non-profit Teens4PR, to be channeled directly towards hurricane relief and reconstruction in Puerto Rico.
Organized by Teens4PR volunteer and LaGuardia student, Gabriela Veciana (LaG '20), the event will take place at the Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 W. 42nd St on June 23, 6-8pm.
Tickets are $20 and are available both online and at the door: web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/10419096
There is an additional $20 food/beverage minimum.
Xiomara Menendez
Friday June 14th, 2019
Today we had our end of year award ceremonies for all studio departments at LaGuardia (art, dance, drama, instrumental music, vocal music, and technical theater). Congratulations to over 200 LaGuardia students who were recipients of 2019 Alumni & Friends' monetary awards, established by generous alumni (and friends) to honor the students' hard work and dedication to their craft.
See how your tax-deductible contributions to Alumni & Friends of LaGuardia are helping make a difference for LaGuardia's current students! Please consider a donation to Alumni & Friends: alumniandfriends.org/give/annual-fund/ Thank you!
Tuesday June 11th, 2019
Don't miss your reunion and other great alumni events! If you do NOT currently receive emails from Alumni & Friends that means you are not up to date in the alumni database. Please fill out our alumni contact form: alumniandfriends.org/connect and hope to see you soon!
Alumni Forever🎼🥀🎨🎭💚
Tuesday June 11th, 2019
Don't miss your reunion and other great alumni events! If you do NOT currently receive emails from Alumni & Friends that means you are not up to date in the alumni database. Please fill out our alumni contact form: alumniandfriends.org/connect and hope to see you soon!
youtu.be/NqUe3M9TxWk A joyous celebratory birthday month of June to all the amazing young artists, and faculty . past present and future at the world renown Laguardia High School of Music and Art and the Performing Arts in NYC
Tuesday June 11th, 2019
THIS is how we welcome our alumni at the Alumni & Friends of LaGuardia HS of Music & Art and Performing Arts reunion!
The Senior Jazz band performed for 2 hours and could be heard as far as Broadway and all the way up to 69th Street. Wow is right!
One of the most vivid and enduring memories i I have of my days at M&A (class of ‘67) was music everywhere.... and the smell of linseed oil.... to this day if I go into the studio to paint the first thing I do is turn on some music.... very rarely do I use linseed oil anymore, as I paint almost exclusively with watercolor or acrylics, but I keep a bottle of it around and open it now and then.... music & linseed oil the sound and smell of creativity!
Awesome job guys!! Love the couples joining in to dance!
LOVE LaGuardia Arts ❤️
Looking forward to going.
Looking forward to going to the reunion for my graduating class 🎉🎉
Love this
Wish I was there dancing up a storm!!! And of course....Great Jazz Band!!!🎷⭐️🎸💎
They sound fantastic!!
Beautiful 🎶
👍 LaGuardia Senior Jazz Band.
How do we find out about reunions?
Sweet!
🥰
Anyone there from 1976?
Tuesday June 11th, 2019
More photos from the alumni reunion, from our photographer Jesi G Kelley (M&A '84)!
Please note that these are preliminary and once we have them all edited they will be on our website and reposted (these links below only last 3 weeks):
2019 M&A LaG Reunion Scenes:
adobe.ly/2I9tiK1
2019 M&A LaG Class Photos:
adobe.ly/2Iu4iMo
2019 M&A LaG Reunion Dinner Scenes:
adobe.ly/2Iw46w4
2019 LaG Student Work:
adobe.ly/2ICkCL9
lightroom.adobe.com
Monday June 10th, 2019
What an incredible reunion weekend!! Our alumni are truly the BEST! Here are some preliminary photos from Friday's event at Music & Art, courtesy of our alumni photographer Jesi G Kelley (M&A '84). So many more photos to come.
adobe.ly/2I3N7SQ
lightroom.adobe.com
SO PROUD OF MY SISTER!
Wonderful photos. Thank you Jesi.
Fantastic weekend! Thanks for the photos! M&A'64
Thanks Jesi!
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing
Fabulous photos!! Great memories. Thx for posting & go M&A!!!🌈🎶⭐️
Love these pics, Jesi G Kelley
Beautiful 👍
Where are the PA pics?
many many more... working on them right now.
Looking for Lakisha Kiki Wolfe-Medina. '84.
Friday June 7th, 2019
Enjoy this 13-minute video from about 20 years ago, showing "The Magic of LaGuardia," which of course means the magic of the high schools of Performing Arts and Music & Art!
Maybe you'll recognize some of your teachers and classmates!
vimeo.com/59510419?fbclid=IwAR3MEGHbRE2hnn-OhANFtpUdxYCSnYJ1ntvYPV2nhGd9DyNhSNzfk973w4gThis is "Magic of LaGuardia Thirteen Minutes" by LaGuardia on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
Class of 1987 (but left in 1986) — got to move to LaGuardia from Times Square my sophomore year. I’m not a dancer anymore but I’m an academic working in dance philosophy.
This video, produced 22 years ago, captures the spirit, passion and talent of the students that were fortunate to attend LaGuardia High School of Music and the Arts. It brings back so many memories. I absolutely loved my high school experience. 💖 Class of '72!
Wow, seemed like a lifetime ago, only when I watched it, these kids became so vivid in my memory as if this was very recent. So much talent, so much passion. It would be great to see where these people are now.
This is a wonderful video and truthful portrayal of the LaGuardia experience. Most of all how studying any of the arts is a life-long enriching experience. I am a graduate of Music & Art, music major, became a dancer, painter, playwright, author and storyteller, all because of my life at Music & Art.
Those four years at M&A were precious! Class of ‘75
Thank you for sharing this. And supporting the school. I truly didn't realize how precious my time spent there was. At 72 I'm still a practicing sculptor and architect. Please continue the good work. Alan Binstock M&A 64.
What a great video. Way back in the Class of ‘63 we sang in the subway on our way from M&A! Wonderful memories!!
The magic of bringing these kids together to weave their dreams into art is profound.... as a graduate of M&A, this is the way it was, is, and hopefully will always be....
Vicky Golbraykh amazing! So many great memories! And I actually saw my face 😃
Class of '94...this brought warm memories. I am a very proud alum
Class of 98... amazing experience. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Class of '77. Looking back, the hour plus commute was worth every moment, now memories of my time at M&A. It's great seeing that creative spirit thriving.
I remember singing on the subway like these kids! Hasn't changed much! Wonderful short film. So proud to be an alum of M&A/LaGuardia😊
Omg, my graduating class of 98. I recognized so many people! This is exactly LaGuardia I remember. Thank you for sharing! Julia Guberman Anastassiya Nova Marina Mazin Dmitry Angelinka Veronica Bakhrakh Julia Ch I saw you and many others I can’t tag!!!
Class of 97 ...amazing and magical it was
Ahh! I began my freshman year in 2001, and I remember this from the old website!
Class of 1980 #FAME the best 4 yrs of my life.
I'm so proud to have been a part of this magic at Music & Art!
The current principal should watch this. She seems to have forgotten.
Aw! Great memories!!! Class of ‘90🎶
Excellent video! I started in 2001 and this is exactly how I remember LaG. I wonder if the spirit and atmosphere there is still like this nowadays.
Class of 98!!! What a feeling to watch this 🙏
Class of 89! Wow...Mr Moody does not age....I'll have what he's having!
Aw man, this is beautiful, these were my classmates. Danny Agostini Dennis Bell
My bus/ferry/train commute was worth it everyday of the four years I spent at LAG. I’m so happy that I can say I’m in this video ❤️ Class of 1997
Friday June 7th, 2019
Reunion weekend begins today! We are so excited to see our alumni and celebrate our amazing schools!
On Saturday, please try to arrive between 1 and 2pm so you have a chance to see and hear live music as you enter the building, view amazing art on display throughout the school, and enjoy the 2-3pm dance and drama showcase in the Little Flower Theater!
alumniandfriends.org/reunions/
Tuesday June 4th, 2019
Show your love of the arts and LaGuardia artists at the Semi Annual art opening on Friday, June 7 from 4:15-7pm! Artwork will be displayed in the lobby, mezzanine, 2nd floor gallery, and 7th floor showcases! Suggested donation of $5 for students/$15 adults.
Free light refreshments served.
There will also be a raffle with amazing prizes and live art experiences -you can get your portrait drawn by a talented LaGuardia student and purchase student made jewelry. All proceeds benefit the LaGuardia art department.
Tuesday June 4th, 2019
A great way to show support for LaGuardia students is to attend a performance and see an exhibit!
This weekend 700 alumni will be coming back to LaGuardia for our annual alumni reunion! And you can see the Semi-Annual Orchestra and Choral Concert both Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30pm. Over 350 alumni have already purchased tickets to Saturday's concert!
The major work for the Semi-Annual is Elgar’s "The Music Makers."
Senior Chorus will perform works by Samuel Barber, Eric Whitacre, and Levente Gyöngyösi.
Tickets are available online and at the door: laguardiahs.tix.com/Schedule.aspx?OrgNum=699
Tuesday June 4th, 2019
Congratulations to LaG '97 alumna Camille A. Brown
on her Tony nomination! Tune in Sunday, June 9!
www.forbes.com/sites/brittanychambers/2019/06/03/the-first-black-woman-choreographer-nominated-fo...
The First Black Woman Choreographer Nominated for a Tony in Over Two Decades: Camille Brown
forbes.com
For the first time in over twenty years, a Black Female choreographer has been nominated for Best Choreography Tony Award. Her name is Camille Brown and she has been propelled to the forefront of the ...Congrats🎉🎉
Tuesday June 4th, 2019
Please watch the recently released Netflix four-part limited series "When They See Us" about the Central Park Five, which included LaGuardia's own Yusef Abdus Salaam.
Recent alum Jharrel Jerome (LaG '15) portrays Korey Wise in the series.
www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-jharrel-jerome-when-they-see-us-20190529-story.html
After breaking out in ‘Moonlight,’ Jharrel Jerome channels the horrors of the Central Park Five case
latimes.com
You know him from Barry Jenkin's Oscar-winning film "Moonlight." Now, Jharrel Jerome explores the Central Park Five case in Ava Duvernay's "When They See Us."Tuesday June 4th, 2019
Read a wonderful piece on Performing Arts alum Joseph Joubert.
"As a pianist, arranger, orchestrator, conductor, and musical director, his genius has anchored several hit Broadway productions, including Billy Elliot, Motown: The Musical, and Caroline, Or Change. As a composer, his songs have been recorded by everyone from Sylvester to Nancy Wilson while his two solo albums Total Praise: Classic Hymns for Piano (2009) and A Mighty Fortress is Our God (2017) brought classical flourishes to sacred music, a lifelong endeavor that will soon include a new recording of spirituals."
www.popmatters.com/joseph-joubert-2019-interview-2638582954.html?rebelltitem=3#rebelltitem3
The Maestro Speaks: An Interview with Musical Virtuoso Joseph Joubert
popmatters.com
Did you foresee yourself pursuing a particular role, e.g. "I want to play in symphonies"?That's a good question. When I was young, I wanted to be an architect. The New York Times had th...Friday May 31st, 2019
A sneak peek at this weekend's LaGuardia Graduation Dance Concert! 3 New productions by Arthur Mitchell, Bob Fosse, and Darshan Bhuller & 3 world premieres by Chanel Dasilva, Joey Smith, and Blakeley White-McGuire! $20 adults $15 students.
Dance at LaGuardia HS
THIS WEEK!!! GRADUATION DANCE CONCERT 2019!!! May 31st 7:30, June 1st 7:30, June 2nd 5:00. A Performance Not To Be Missed! 3 New Productions by Arthur MITCHELL, Bob FOSSE and Darshan BHULLER & 3 World Premiers by Chanel DASILVA, Joey SMITH and Blakeley WHITE-MCGUIRE! $20 adults $15 students. Click The Link for TKTS!!!! laguardiahs.tix.com/m/Schedule.aspx?OrgNum=699 Don’t Miss This Incredible Evening of DANCE! #thefameschool 🎥 @ispagano
Although this relates to younger children it has a direct bearing of consideration of the priorities of our school. musiceducationworks.wordpress.com/2016/06/19/a-childs-brain-develops-faster-with-exposure-to-musi...
Good luck to the current students! I hope alumni speak up about these ridiculous academic admissions standards and make sure the school continues to be a space for amazing talent to thrive. www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/I-Team-New-Academic-Standards-Sparks-Controversy-at-Top-NYC-Per...
Wonderful video:)
Good luck to alll
Friday May 31st, 2019
Tonight is opening night of the LaGuardia Graduation Dance Concert and tickets are available at the door! Featuring Bob Fosse's "Sing, Sing, Sing" with live accompaniment by the LaGuardia Senior Jazz Band! And works by Arthur Mitchell, Darshan Bhuller, Blakeley White-McGuire, Chanel DaSilva, and Joey Smith.
Showtimes are:
Friday, May 31 at 7:30pm
Saturday, June 1 at 7:30pm
Sunday, June 2 at 5pm
Friday May 31st, 2019
The LaGuardia High School Parents Association auction is on through June 2 at 10pm and you can bid on amazing items including Broadway and concert tickets, great restaurants, salons, services, camp, and so much more! All proceeds support the LaGuardia Parents Association. www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/browse.action?auctionId=341693056It’s LaG Auction Foodie Friday! Want great deals on your favorite restaurants? Check out the listings on Bidding For Good - including certificates to Wafels & Dingees, Trattoria L’Incontro, Starbucks and more! Auction ends this Sunday.
m.biddingforgood.com/auctions/341693056
Thursday May 30th, 2019
Tonight is opening night of LaGuardia Spring Drama Festival's Musical Production: "Two Gentlemen of Verona," directed by Robert Krausz. Tickets are available at the door.
Showtimes are:
Thursday, May 30th at 7:30pm
Friday, May 31 at 7:30pm
Saturday, June 1 at 7:30pm
Sunday, June 2 at 2pm
Wednesday May 29th, 2019
See the program for Reunion 2019! Can't wait to see you there! www.playbillder.com/show/vip/Alumni_Friends_of_LaGuardia_HS/2019/Reunion_2019_56417
playbillder.com
June 08 - June 08, 2019 at LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing ArtsThursday May 23rd, 2019
Next weekend at LaGuardia (May 30-June 2) will be amazing! You can see both the Graduation Dance Concert and the Spring Drama Festival's Musical "Two Gentlemen of Verona."
June 7 and 8 is the Semi-Annual Art Show and Orchestra and Choral Concert.
Tickets are available online at: laguardiahs.tix.com/Schedule.aspx?OrgNum=699
Can’t wait to see Two Gentlemen - my son is in it We will both be alumni soon!!!
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019
GET YOUR REUNION TICKETS - TODAY IS THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER. Don't miss this amazing weekend of fun!
alumniandfriends.org/reunions/
Thursday May 16th, 2019
Mark your calendars for a wonderful LaGuardia event at Lincoln Center Out of Doors! Friday, August 2, 7:20pm, catch LaGuardia dancers performing "Sing, Sing, Sing" from Bob Fosse's DANCIN' (1978).
The dance performance will be followed by a rare screening of the Emmy- and Peabody Award–winning 'Liza with a Z' capturing a one-woman, one-night-only production Minnelli gave at the Lyceum Theater in 1972 (directed by Bob Fosse).
www.lincolncenter.org/out-of-doors/show/liza-with-a-z-caleb-teicher-and-company-and-the-verdon-fo...
Liza with a “Z”, Caleb Teicher & Company, and The Verdon Fosse Legacy
lincolncenter.org
Liza Minnelli fans young and old are invited to gather under the stars in Damrosch Park for a rare screening of the Emmy- and Peabody Award–winning Liza with a “Z”. Capturing a one-w...#LAGacy
Wednesday May 15th, 2019
Read a great interview with Tommy Bracco (LaG '08) featured in Broadway's "Pretty Woman."
www.broadway.com/buzz/195786/pretty-woman-standout-tommy-bracco-on-finding-his-confidence-to-step...
Pretty Woman Standout Tommy Bracco on Finding His Confidence to Step Into the Spotlight & More
broadway.com
Tommy Bracco Tommy Bracco may exert lovable confidence playing a bellop named Giulio in the Braodway hit Pretty&nbs...Wednesday May 15th, 2019
Don't miss the LaGuardia Graduation Dance Concert Friday, May 31 at 7:30pm
Saturday, June 1 at 7:30pm
Sunday, June 2 at 5pm
Featuring Bob Fosse's "Sing, Sing, Sing" with live accompaniment by the LaGuardia Senior Jazz Band! And works by Arthur Mitchell, Darshan Bhuller, Blakeley White-McGuire, Chanel DaSilva, and Joey Smith.
Tickets available online at: laguardiahs.tix.com/Schedule.aspx?OrgNum=699
Wednesday May 15th, 2019
Get your tickets to the wonderful LaGuardia Spring Drama Festival's Musical Production: "Two Gentlemen of Verona," directed by Robert Krausz:
Thursday, May 30th at 7:30pm
Friday, May 31 at 7:30pm
Saturday, June 1 at 7:30pm
Sunday, June 2 at 2pm
Tickets are available online at: laguardiahs.tix.com/Schedule.aspx?OrgNum=699
Tuesday May 7th, 2019
Congratulations to Melissa Freeman (M&A '43) and Ronnie Eldridge (M&A '48), two of the five recipients of the 2019 Clara Lemlich Award for Social Activism at the Museum of the City of New York.
www.mcny.org/event/ninth-annual-clara-lemlich-award?fbclid=IwAR2qi2TdGE9sNftW4I4gCeRXiuW-yY_SYoPT...
The Ninth Annual Clara Lemlich Award
mcny.org
The Lemlich Awards honor women who have been working for the larger good their entire lives, in the tradition of those who sparked so many reforms in the aftermath of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory F...I sang at this event with the NYC Labor Chorus!
Monday May 6th, 2019
Watch a wonderful sample of last week's LaGuardia Spring Musicale Series: Operetta/Musical Theatre Pit Orchestra "Brindisi Chorus" from La Traviata (Verdi) Alfredo and Violetta.
www.facebook.com/LaGPA/videos/405298800048969/
LaGuardia Arts H.S. Parents Association
LaGuardia Spring Musicale Series: Operetta/Musical Theatre Pit Orchestra "Brindisi Chorus" from La Traviata (Verdi) Alfredo and Violetta
Lovely! I'll drink to that.
Marvelous memories
I loved high school.
Monday May 6th, 2019
Last week's Gospel Choir concert at LaGuardia was amazing! Enjoy this video highlight of the concert, and come back and see a show at LaGuardia! www.facebook.com/LaGPA/videos/331658024128520/
Friday May 3rd, 2019
The alumni reunion is only 5 weeks away! Get your tickets before the May 24th deadline! So many amazing events are planned for this incredible weekend!
alumniandfriends.org/reunions/
Alumni & Friends Reunions | Alumni & Friends of LaGuardia
alumniandfriends.org
5-7pm: With enthusiastic requests from Music & Art alumni, we are happy to invite you back to “The Castle on the Hill.” The gathering includes music, appetizers, and self-guided tours ...Is there anyway to see who is registered from a specific graduating class? Thinking about going but don't want to be the only one there from my year
Friday May 3rd, 2019
"FAME - I'm gonna live forever!" And indeed David de Silva's masterpiece lives on and on almost 40 years after the movie was released, and 30 years after "Fame The Musical" was created.
"The approach will add topicality to this 1988 musical, which is based on the 1980 film “Fame,” known for its Oscar-winning title song. The movie was conceived, developed and produced by David De Silva, a theater enthusiast and sometime talent agent who realized that an arts-focused high school would be a promising setting for a tale about showbiz hopes, socioeconomic tensions and coming-of-age angst."
www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/theater-dance/fame-the-musical-gets-an-added-latin-accent/20...
‘Fame the Musical’ gets an added Latin accent
washingtonpost.com
Dreamers will be central to Luis Salgado’s new production at GALA Hispanic Theatre.Clara Ceccanti!
Clara Ceccanti!
Nice! #originalM&AandFametheMovie
Nice💃#originalPAandFametheMovie
Wednesday May 1st, 2019
Read a fun interview with Cecil Castellucci (LaG '87) about her upcoming graphic memoir, "Girl on Film," scheduled to be released in November 2019. Cecil tells us that much of the book takes place at LaGuardia!
www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/79926-castellucci-to-publish-gr...
Castellucci to Publish Graphic Memoir ‘Girl on Film’ in November
publishersweekly.com
Noted YA novelist and comics writer Cecil Castellucci will team with Boom! Studios to publish Girl on Film, a graphic memoir, in November 2019Can't wait for all you alums to see both old and new buildings!
Wednesday May 1st, 2019
Check out the new book by David Hamilton Golland (LaG '89): "A Terrible Thing to Waste: Arthur Fletcher and the Conundrum of the Black Republican" (Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 2019).
From the publisher:
"Arthur Fletcher (1924–2005) was the most important civil rights leader you've (probably) never heard of. The first black player for the Baltimore Colts, the father of affirmative action and adviser to four presidents, he coined the United Negro College Fund’s motto: “A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste.” Modern readers might be surprised to learn that Fletcher was also a Republican. Fletcher’s story, told in full for the first time in this book, embodies the conundrum of the post–World War II black Republican—the civil rights leader who remained loyal to the party even as it abandoned the principles he espoused."
kansaspress.ku.edu/978-0-7006-2764-6.html
kansaspress.ku.edu
Arthur Fletcher (1924–2005) was the most important civil rights leader you've (probably) never heard of. The first black player for the Baltimore Colts, the father of affirmative action and...Wednesday May 1st, 2019
Our alumni are all over the 2019 Tony Awards! Congratulations to Lilli Cooper (LaG '08) for her Best Featured Actress nomination for "Tootsie," which received 11 nominations! LaG parent Paula Leggett Chase is also in the ensemble.
Congratulations to Camille A. Brown (LaG '97) for receiving a nomination for choreography for "Choir Boy."
Congratulations to Ben Perowsky (M&A '84) - drummer for "Hadestown," which received 14 nominations!
And congratulations to Margot Astrachan (M&A '56 and Alumni & Friends board member) one of the producers of "The Prom," which received 7 nominations!
Did we miss anyone? If so, pass along in the comments or to info@alumniandfriends.org
www.tonyawards.com/nominees/
Ain’t Too Proud nominated for 12 Tony Awards: Kenny Seymour, Laguardia graduate - don’t know year - conductor of ain’t too proud orchestra. And current lag parent Dan Levine plays trombone in the Ain’t too proud orchestra.
Michaela Diamond LAG ‘17 performing with the Cher Show. Danny Burstein HS of performing arts - presenter tonight at the Tony awards.
THANK YOU!
Monday April 29th, 2019
Friday, May 3 at 7:30pm is the amazing New Music Ensemble directed by Robert Apostle, and the Symphonic Band conducted by Dr. Richard Titone. Tickets are available online for the next couple of days and then will be available at the door; $20/$15 students. laguardiahs.tix.com/Schedule.aspx?OrgNum=699
Saturday April 27th, 2019
Four nights of amazing music at LaGuardia this week!
Spring Musicales: April 29 at 6pm and April 30 at 6pm
Gospel Choir Spring Concert: May 1 at 7:30pm
New Music Singers/Symphonic Band: May 3 at 7:30pm
Tickets available at the door.
Thursday April 25th, 2019
A great piece on Grace Van Patten (LaG '14), who stars in the new film "Under the Silver Lake,' described as "a conspiracy theory fever dream." www.moviemaker.com/archives/news/flash-forward-grace-van-patten/
moviemaker.com
Growing up on the sets of iconic TV series, Grace Van Patten learned how to make every role memorable, no matter how large or small.Thursday April 25th, 2019
Get your tickets to Reunion 2019!!
Friday, June 7, 5-7pm at the former M&A "Castle on the Hill" and Saturday, June 8 at LaGuardia. Enjoy a weekend you'll never forget! alumniandfriends.org/reunions/
I graduated in 67.
Wednesday April 24th, 2019
Save the date Saturday, July 27 to see Slick Rick (aka Richard Walters, M&A '83) performing a FREE concert at Bronx's Soundview Park, 6-9pm through City Parks Foundation Summerstage Series.
"One of hip-hop’s great storytellers, Slick Rick has put on narrative clinics ever since his first appearance on Doug E. Fresh’s “La Di Da Di” in 1985. With a trademark eyepatch, clever raps and a vault’s worth of loud jewelry, Rick the Ruler’s inimitable style is often imitated but rarely equaled. His oft-sampled classics, like “Children’s Story” from The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, have reverberated through several generations of MCs in his wake. He’s joined by WBLS DJ Chuck Chillout, who’s worked with Run-D.M.C. and Public enemy and is one of the first DJs to play Rick’s music."
cityparksfoundation.org/events/slick-rick/?date=20190727
Slick Rick / DJ Chuck Chillout
cityparksfoundation.org
One of hip-hop’s great storytellers, Slick Rick has put on narrative clinics ever since his first appearance on Doug E. Fresh’s “La Di Da Di” in 1985. With a trademark...That shit is going to be the bomb.
Melanie Jackson
Lauren Peterson
Wednesday April 24th, 2019
Catch Lily Santiago (LaG '14) in the Off Broadway production of "Mac Beth" directed by Erica Schmidt. May 7-June 2 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher St.
"Hauntingly beautiful...good men, or in this case
good girls, are capable of appalling things.” -Broadway World
On an autumn afternoon, in an empty lot outside the city, seven girls meet up to do a play. School uniform tartan transforms in this American urban wasteland. The girls are witches, ghosts, and kings. They hurl headlong into the unchecked passions of Macbeth—in Shakespeare’s original text—as the line between real life and blood fantasy quickly blurs. Through prophecies and smartphones, unexpected resonances emerge from Shakespeare’s dark nightmare of ambition gone awry. These young women discover what's done cannot be undone.
www.redbulltheater.com/mac-beth
redbulltheater.com
Shakespeare's Macbeth, adapted and directed by Erica Schmidt for a limited Off-Broadway May-June, 2019 at the Lucille Lortel TheatreTuesday April 23rd, 2019
KISS guitarist and M&A '70 art major Paul Stanley discusses his birth defect, saying "I was born deaf on my right side ... I had what's called a Microtia, which is basically not having an ear." The legendary rock band is now in the midst of their farewell tour.
www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-6947881/KISS-guitarist-Paul-Stanley-shares-physical-deformi...
KISS guitarist Paul Stanley shares that he has a physical deformity
'I wasn't very socially adept and when you have something physical that sets you apart from people it makes you really a target of unrelenting scrutiny and sometimes ridicule,' he confessed.
Patrick Emery, Paul Stanley is a graduate of my high school. 👍🏻 Great article. Maybe Emery would find it interesting. 😀
Didn’t know a member of KISS was an alum.
Great show—- saw them at Nassau!
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019
Great things come in threes! LaG alum Corey Stoll is the 3rd alumnus to be cast in Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner's remake of "West Side Story," playing Lieutenant Schrank, alongside Ansel Elgort and Adriel Fly. Can't wait to see it!
www.playbill.com/article/brian-darcy-james-and-corey-stoll-tapped-for-new-west-side-story-movie?f...
Brian d'Arcy James and Corey Stoll Tapped for New West Side Story Movie | Playbill
playbill.com
The two join a cast that includes fellow theatre vets Rita Moreno and Ariana DeBose.Thursday April 18th, 2019
So many wonderful shows springing up at LaGuardia!
Spring Musicales: April 29 at 6pm and April 30 at 6pm
Gospel Choir Spring Concert: May 1 at 7:30pm
New Music Singers/Symphonic Band: May 3 at 7:30pm
Tickets available online and at the door:
laguardiahs.tix.com/Schedule.aspx?OrgNum=699
Thursday April 18th, 2019
Congratulations to Adriel Flete (LaG '16), who was cast as a 'Shark' in Steven Spielberg's upcoming remake of "West Side Story." He recently finished the national tour of "On Your Feet" - The Emilio and Gloria Estefan Musical.
Thursday April 18th, 2019
Congratulations to M&A '82 alumna Lynn Nottage, who is on Time Magazine's list of most influential New Yorkers of 2019. Nottage is a MacArthur Genius Grant recipient.
www.crainsnewyork.com/news/new-yorkers-times-list-most-influential-people-2019
Monday April 15th, 2019
Adam Barruch (LaG '04) will present a World Premiere piece with '10 Hairy Legs,' the male repertory dance company, which holds its 7th consecutive New York Season with a return to New York Live Arts June 27-29.
Adam Barruch currently creates and performs work with his own company, Anatomiae Occultii. He has also created works for companies such as The Limón Company, Ailey II, Keigwin + Company, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, River North Dance Chicago, BalletX, Whim W'Him Seattle Contemporary Dance, Graham II, GroundWorks Dance Theater, Gina Gibney Dance Company and Minnesota Dance Theatre, as well as for dance icons Margie Gillis and Miki Orihara.
www.broadwayworld.com/bwwdance/article/10-Hairy-Legs-Announces-7th-New-York-Season-20190415
10 Hairy Legs Announces 7th New York Season
broadwayworld.com
10 Hairy Legs, the male repertory dance company, holds its 7th consecutive New York Season with a return to New York Live Arts June 27-29. Presented are World Premieres by Larry Keigwin and Adam Barru...Friday April 12th, 2019
Photo booth from Reunion 2018 @ LaGuardia
Hi My name is Charlene Michelle Biton , I am a Alumni I graduated Theatre Department Class if 1998- LaGuardia Arts please add my face book for my friends! Thank you 🙂 happy blessed Passover and Easter Holiday !!
Friday April 12th, 2019
Planning a trip to NYC this June? Coming to the reunion and need a hotel?
Alumni & Friends has reserved a block of rooms at the EMPIRE HOTEL, across the street from Lincoln Center on West 63rd Street. If you are planning to be in town any night between June 5th and June 11th, we hope you can take advantage of these discounted hotel rates at a very well located hotel!
For more details go to:
alumniandfriends.org/2019-reunion-hotel/
Friday April 12th, 2019
Spring is in the air and the LaGuardia Spring Musicales are here!
April 15 at 6pm
April 29 at 6pm
April 30 at 6pm.
Tickets available online and at the door: laguardiahs.tix.com/Schedule.aspx?OrgNum=699
Friday April 12th, 2019
Last night was opening night of LaGuardia's Spring Drama Festival #2, "Pride and Prejudice," in LaGuardia's Little Flower Theater!
Remaining performances of this amazing show are:
Friday, April 12: 7:30pm
Saturday, April 13: 7:30pm
Sunday, April 14: 2pm
Tickets are available at the door: $25/$15 students.
Hey Jason O'Connell! Look at this: my students are performing your partner’s adaptation of Pride & Prejudice! Small world!
Wednesday April 10th, 2019
A nice profile on saxophonist Albert Rivera (LaG '01), who will be playing April 19 in Waterbury, CT at The Spring Jazz Series, Palace Theater Poli Club. This is the first show in the NFuego Latin Jazz Collection. The article calls Albert Rivera, “a modern Jazz Messenger with one of the most exciting and sought-after saxophone sounds in today’s jazz scene."
www.registercitizen.com/entertainment/article/Palace-Theater-Poli-Club-presents-Albert-Rivera-137...
Palace Theater Poli Club presents Albert Rivera, the Curtis Brothers in concert
registercitizen.com
WATERBURY - The Spring Jazz Series at the Palace Theater Poli Club continues Friday, April 19 with Albert Rivera and The Curtis Brothers. This is the first show in the NFuego Latin Jazz Collection. In...Thanks guys!
Tuesday April 9th, 2019
Catch M&A '82 alumna Natalie Toro in the new musical "Benny & Joon," which opened this week at the Paper Mill Playhouse in NJ and runs through May 5, 2019.
Based on the 1993 film starring Johnny Depp and Mary Stuart Masterson, this new musical is a smart, funny, tender-hearted celebration of love: between children and parents; romantic partners; friends; and, most of all, siblings.
papermill.org/show/benny-joon/
Benny & Joon - Paper Mill Playhouse
papermill.org
Based on the 1993 film starring Johnny Depp and Mary Stuart Masterson, this new musical is a smart, funny, tender-hearted celebration of love: between children and parents; romantic partners; friends;...Monday April 8th, 2019
Congratulations to Rabbi Arnold Saltzman, M&A '66, on the North American Premiere of "A Choral Symphony: Halevi."
In one of American University’s most ambitious musical performances, more than 200 artists took the stage yesterday in front of 800 audience members for the North American premiere of Arnold Saltzman’s "A Choral Symphony: Halevi." The combined forces of the AU Symphony Orchestra, Chorus, and Chamber Singers joined the Strathmore Children’s Chorus and guest soloists mezzo-soprano Janice Meyerson and baritone Rob McGinness to perform the hour-long, six-movement choral symphony under the soaring stained-glass windows of the National Presbyterian Church.
www.american.edu/cas/news/Halevi-Premiere-a-Smash-Success.cfm
AU Delivers Dramatic North American Premiere of Halevi Symphony
american.edu
In one of American University’s most ambitious musical performances, more than 200 artists took the stage yesterday in front of 800 audience members for the North American premiere of Arnold Sal...Monday April 8th, 2019
A wonderful profile on LaG '96 alumnus Vadim Karpinos, Assistant Principal Timpanist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
"My parents immigrated to the United States as political refugees when I was in the 7th grade. Most of our luggage was a xylophone that my father had sawed in half to fit in the suitcase and a drum set. We moved to Brooklyn with those instruments and 400 dollars."Vadim Karpinos - Assistant Principal Timpani
I was 3 when I first noticed the percussion. I was sitting next to the small band at the circus and I spotted the drummer. I wanted to be just like him so my father created a tiny drum set out of an ironing board and some tin cans. In my free time, I played along with the Beatles and ABBA recordings next to our reel to reel player.
Unfortunately, I was deemed "too short" to play the percussion by the local Ukrainian music schools but one teacher took an interest in me. My father built a box for me so I could reach the instruments. Although he had no musical training, he sat with me at every lesson and copied the sheet music by hand. I dedicated every free minute to practicing and I began winning numerous competitions.
My parents immigrated to the United States as political refugees when I was in the 7th grade. Most of our luggage was a xylophone that my father had sawed in half to fit in the suitcase and a drum set. We moved to Brooklyn with those instruments and 400 dollars. I'm so grateful for all the support I have received from my family, teachers, and friends.
2nd photo credit: Todd Rosenberg
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