Pictured left to right: Outgoing Vocal Rep - Barbette Leonard, AP of Music - Ben Schott, Outgoing Instrumental Rep - Rebecca Sherman |
Happy Tuesday, Music Studio Families! Yep, it's Music Monday, Tuesday edition because... life happens. We hope you had an incredible weekend –between the phenomenal Spring Semi-Annual performances (photo highlights below) and celebrating dad on Sunday. This is it for the 2024-25 school year! Yesterday was the last day of instructional classes and the summer solstice arrives Friday at 10:41pm. So, let's get into this final newsletter!
MUSIC STUDIO ELECTION RECAP Thank you for attending our final Music Studio general meeting of the year last week, where we held our elections for the 2025-26 school year. If you missed it, you can find the minutes here. Without further ado, here is your new Music Studio Executive Board for 2025-26... Drumroll please... |
image by pvproductions on freepik |
2025-26 Music Studio Executive Board |
Vocal Co-Rep - Dianne Vasquez Vocal Co-Rep - Vanessa Enriquez Instrumental Co-Rep - Jennifer Dumlao Instrumental Co-Rep - Marlene Smoot Treasurer - Rose Javier Co-Recording Secretary - Laetitia Ducroux Co-Recording Secretary - Abhilasha Mahan Communications - Andrew Weir
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| Co-Volunteer Coordinator - Karina Tabacinic Co-Volunteer Coordinator - Berly Isaak Co-Fundraising Coordinator - Jennifer Richey Co-Fundraising Coordinator - Pilar Cortizo Co-Merchandise Coordinator - Veronika Surla Co-Merchandise Coordinator - Sarah Srygley Senior Executive Floater - Sonya Houston
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Volunteers Volunteers are the life blood of any PA and we couldn't do it without you. So, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful volunteers who have helped us collect money, decorate, fold merchandise, greet families, lift heavy boxes and bags, schlep food and merchandise and sell food and merchandise throughout the year –with a generous heart and a joyful smile!
*Please forgive us for any inadvertent omissions or misspelling of names*
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Steve Berman Sheila Drumm Boland Eva Gold Bovi Lara Bursor Lilian Chow Pilar Cortizo Karen Ditolla Jennifer Dumlao Michael Goldsman Meg Gorman Maiko Hadden Makiko Hagio Carol Hinds Grace Hsu Berly Isaak Wayne Isaak Lara Kay Jessica Klekman |
| Kelly Kravet Taji Martin Mary Jo McBride Laura McCarty Diane Morgan Gemma Nieto Sasha Olney Antonella Ortiz Shaun Qualheim Pily Quintanilla Staci Abramsky Risman Erika Sanchez Pauline Sauvage William Sherman (Photographer) Lori Silverstein Niyamisa Trail Jack Tsao Angela Watford |
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Music Studio Executive Board |
Sherry Stuart Berman Laetitia Ducroux Shira Eisenberg Vanessa Enriquez Sonya Houston Rose Javier Barbette Leonard |
| Abhilasha Mahan Jennifer Richey Rebecca Sherman Karina Tabacinic Diane Vasquez Tauheedah Yasin |
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The Music Studio EB says farewell to our four senior parents: Barbette Leonard, Tauheedah Yasin, Sherry Stuart Berman and Rebecca Sherman |
image by pch.vector on freepik
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LAST WORDS FROM THE OUTGOING REPS |
Vocal Rep - Barbette Leonard From counting merch and concession sale coins as Assistant Treasurer, to chasing rogue decimal points as Audit Manager for two solid years, to finally standing proud as the Vocal Rep for the Music Studio –my time on the Fame High School Music Executive Board has officially hit its final note. And what a way to go out: with a sold-out Semi-Annual concert featuring Carmina Burana. The rafters shook, the audience wept, and I think at least one dancer took off his shirt for the cause! Honestly? Iconic. This Exec Board has given me some of my favorite high school memories (and at least three very specific spreadsheet nightmares). I've learned how to lead, how to collaborate, and how to professionally panic when someone says, "Wait, did anyone reserve the tables from the custodians?" But don't worry –I'm not going far! I'll still be serving dramatic flair and agenda realness on the other side of the aisles as Co-Dance Rep for the Dance Studio. That's right –from vocal runs to pirouettes, I'm covering all bases and tables! Watch your step because I definitely will. To my fellow Music Exec board members: thank you for your chaos, your creativity, and your unmatched ability to make magic happen –even on zero sleep and half a bag of Pringles. May your concession sales be sold out, your volunteer numbers be high, and your Music Studio chats be... manageable.
With love, rhythm, and a whole lot of high notes, Barbette Leonard |
| Instrumental Rep - Rebecca Sherman As I sit here thinking about my four years on the Music Studio PA, I can't believe it's coming to an end. I remember our first gathering in the park and volunteering at shows freshman year (where we couldn't sell merch or snacks because of covid!). Now the years have passed, I have watched my daughter grow from a nervous kid playing one instrument to confident senior who plays 10 woodwinds. She has grown immensely and has been consistently challenged and encouraged by our teachers. I have spent dozens upon dozens of volunteer hours working with some amazing people –our Music Studio Exec Board has been filled with people that I feel so lucky to know and plan to keep in my life. Like Barbette, I am thankful that I have a few more years at LaG. My youngest daughter is a Tech major, and along with another mom, I am going to be the PA Co-President for 2025-2026. It will be interesting that I will not be thinking only about Music Studio for the first time in four years.It's been a lot of work, but also a lot of fun and I wouldn't trade a minute of it. I feel like closing out my time in the studio with a show like the Semi-Annual, was kinda perfect. It allowed all the majors to come together –outstanding instrumental music, fantastic vocalists, spectacular dancing in hand-painted costumes from Art, a soliloquy by Drama, and of course the magic that Tech provides with lighting, sound and so much more. Obviously, I will still go to the concerts because they are awesome (and likely my hubby Bill will still want to take pictures!) So, I will still see lots of you until my younger kid graduates in 2028. Good luck to the class of 2025 (and obviously 2026, 2027 and 2028). And to all of you, make sure you take the time to enjoy the magic that is LaGuardia.
Best wishes to all, Rebecca Sherman |
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image by stroyset on freepik
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TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT! Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 6:30pm The Gem Saloon 375 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016 Join the Music Studio for one final get-together before the end of the school year! Meet your new Music Studio Exec Board, say goodbye to the graduating Exec Board members and raise a glass to celebrate the coming summer! *This is a parent/guardian ONLY event, and a Buy Your Own Food & Beverage Event*
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We Asked, You Answered –Well, 40 of You!
Your current Music Studio Exec Board has been discussing the future of the Music Monday newsletter. So, we sent out a very brief survey to help your new executive board prepare for the 2025-2026 school year! There are currently about 750 families signed up on MTK to received Music Studio communications, but only 40 people answered the poll. Here are the questions we asked and your responses:
How often do you read Music Monday? 80% weekly 20% periodically
Do you like receiving Music Monday weekly, or would you prefer a monthly newsletter: 87.5% weekly 12.5% monthly
Do you find the Music Monday Newsletter helpful? 82.5% yes 15% sometimes 2.5% no
Any additional information you'd like to see in Music Monday? - hearing from students regularly about their experiences
- spotlight on music college/conservatory program
- scholarship opportunities
- out of school music competitions
- teacher highlights
- more information from Ben and teachers
- all performances listed with times and locations (on and off campus)
- helpful tip section
- celebrating outside LaG events
- fun music trivia/quotes
- recommended coaches/instructors
- link to donation/swap sheet (concert attire)
Thank you for taking our brief survey. So, many of the things asked for on this list are already included in Music Monday. The OTHER OPPORTUNITIES/HAPPENINGS section lists scholarships and outside competitions when we know about them, as well as outside programs. We have included information from colleges/conservatories in fall editions of the newsletter. There has been a link to a list of colleges/conservatories along with various resources linked to helpful tips in the newsletter all year long.
Re: outside performances - We are parent volunteers and this a parent run organization. We do not work at LaGuardia, which means that there is a lot of information that we simply do not have. As soon as we find out about a performance happening outside, we scramble to get the information to share it here with you. Many times parents find out from their students the day before or the morning of. Teachers are not obligated to share this information with the Music Studio EB and their plates are already full. All in-school performances and times are listed on the performance calendar that comes out in September.
Re: teacher highlights - we've tried to do this several times in the past. Sometimes it was successful, other times not so much. All teachers don't respond. Again, this isn't mandatory for them and it requires coordination from the Music Studio EB with Ben and the teachers. When Ben has important information to share, he sends out a targeted email to make sure everyone receives it. We link that information here in the newsletter, as a courtesy. We very rarely receive submissions from you all. This is a team effort. One person cannot solely be responsible for gathering all of the information being asked for. When we know something, we post it. There is a wealth of information at your fingertips via the school website and the various newsletters. Please take advantage of them. |
CONNECT WITH US We'd love to connect with you, and the easiest way for that to happen is with a Membership Tool Kit account! Did you receive this newsletter in your inbox? If the answer is yes, congratulations, that means you've already created an account and subscribed! If you haven't, you can create an account using this link: MTK (Membership Tool Kit) and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the communications you'd like to receive from your Music Studio under the SUBSCRIPTION tab. It's the absolute best way to stay in-the-know for all things music! You can also join the LaG Music Studio WhatsApp chat. While this is not officially endorsed by, or part of the PA or LaGuardia, it is a way for parents to connect and get questions answered from other parents. Your Music Studio Reps and other board members are also in the chat and will happily answer questions. We're here to help!
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SPRING SEMI-ANNUAL CONCERT IN PHOTOS |
Click on the poster for program notes |
This was a show stopper! The photography is stellar, but you really had to be in the Concert Hall to experience the magnitude of excellence this production brought!! What an incredible performance in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of LaGuardia; all studios collaborated for two amazing performances. A packed house on Friday and a sold out show on Saturday with a six minute standing ovation. Tears were shed and souls were stirred. A performance of epic proportions –Enjoy!
Photography by Sophie & William Sherman |
| We'll Miss You! After 20 something years at LaGuardia, our beloved Mr. Joseph Meyers, the Coordinator of Instrumental Music and the Conductor of the outstanding LaGuardia Philharmonic Orchestra, is retiring. Thank you for your love and dedication to the students and your craft. Your legacy will be felt for years to come. Congratulations on your retirement!
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The Music Studio Showcase is Returning! |
We're Bringing it Back! The Music Studio Showcase was such a hit that we're bringing it back this fall! Get your repertoire together over the summer and bring your best selves for another fun-filled music event. All of the audition details are inside, so just click on the music poster above to fill out the form. We can't wait to see you, and hear you on the stage!
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| Dear Music Studio Families,
Our spring concert season has ended on a very high note. I hope you all had a chance to experience many of the wonderful performances that took place in our concert hall over the course of the year and got a better understanding of what makes LaGuardia so special. Thank you for an incredible year and your support of our students, faculty, LaGuardia and the Music Studio as a whole. Congratulations to our seniors who are off to pursue many different things. I have no doubt you will make your mark wherever you go. I wish you all the very best. To our rising sophomores, juniors and seniors, I look forward to seeing you in September as we welcome in our freshman class. Have a wonderful summer everyone. Please do not hesitate to contact me at Bschott@schools.nyc.gov if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely, Benjamin Schott Assistant Principal - Music
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First & Last Letter From the Editor |
| How Do I Say Goodbye? Ok, so if you don't know by now, I, Tauheedah Yasin, am (or was) your Music Studio Music Monday Newsletter editor for the past three years. I have enjoyed bringing this newsletter to your inboxes (for the most part), infusing a little bit of me in each edition. My intention has always been, of course, to inform you of all things Music Studio related, while also making this an aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable read. Occasionally, there were some historical facts thrown in for good measure and interest. The memory I have before joining the Music Studio Exec Board is seared in my mind. I had attended an in-person meeting freshman year and Rebecca Sherman was already on the board. She was sparky and friendly and kept saying to the current Rep to tell the parent body "we need more help!" That was the moment I knew I would join the Music Studio Exec Board and I have never regretted it. These incredible women I've had the joy of serving with on the exec board are nothing short of inspiring –it's been an honor and a pleasure to stand beside them in service to the LaGuardia Music Studio community. Please be kind to your new exec board and one another. If there's anything we need more of in this world its empathy, love and understanding. Best wishes to all of your children taking regents exams. May their memories be like that of elephants. Congratulations to the Class of 2025! May your success be defined by your own metrics and not society's. Finally, I leave you with a parting gift because music lives in my soul –a summer playlist! Much love to you all. Signing off, Tauheedah Yasin
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JUNE 2025
TONIGHT, June 17 - Final Music Studio Gathering of the 2024-2025 school year, 6:30pm. The Gem Saloon 375 3rd Avenue New York, NY 10016 *This is a parent/guardian ONLY event, and a Buy Your Own Food & Beverage Event*
TONIGHT, June 17 - LaGuardia HS Alumni Brings Back the Beat, 8:45pm. Doors open at 8:30. Tickets $15 The Bitter End, 147 Bleeker St., New York, NY 10012 *ANYONE UNDER 18 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT/LEGAL GAURDIAN*
June 20 - Music Studio Senior Awards & Celebration, 12:30pm *students only event*
June 21 - LaGuardia Elementary Chorus performs at Musicians for Justice: Juneteenth Jazz Jubilee, 7-9pm Get tickets here LaGuardia parents receive 50% off ticket price using code: Justice Adler Hall at The New York Society for Ethical Culture 2 W 64th Street, New York NY 10023
June 22 - LaGuardia New Music performs at Hill Country BBQ at 6pm 30 W 26th St., New York NY 10010 Tickets: Students - $10, Adults - $15
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Music Studio Funding Appeal |
| The Appeal That Lasts All School Year! We continuously work to raise money all year long. Why? So the next cohort can start the year off strong. The Music Studio thanks you for your continued donations and support for our students and studio. Your donations assist in covering the many expenses of the Music Studio, which in turn helps our students. While we work to continuously support our students and teachers, we definitely cannot achieve this without your help. These necessary funds are used to purchase the music our students perform, workshops, master classes, professional development, accompanists and so much more.Just text or click the photo to donate.
Click HERE to read our fundraising letter - WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
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Outside Opportunities & Happenings |
Click the poster for tickets! |
MAD Institute’s Individualized Training: A Perfect Complement to LaGuardia’s Arts Excellence Dear LaGuardia parents and students, On behalf of MAD Institute, New York's newest hub for holistic arts training, I am excited to extend a special offer to the current and incoming students of LaGuardia Arts High School. We would love to provide your talented students with the opportunity to experience our unique approach to arts education. At MAD Institute, we specialize in private lessons in voice, piano, violin, and guitar. Our training goes beyond technical skills, focusing on nurturing both artistry and passion. We believe this approach complements and enhances the exceptional education LaGuardia Arts provides, helping students reach their full potential. As part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent, we are offering a complimentary 30-minute trial lesson in any of our disciplines to all current and incoming LaGuardia students. This is our way of giving your students the opportunity to experience the same high-quality training that has helped three of our students—Seryna Javier (Voice Program Sophomore), Isabelle Quimosing (Incoming Drama Program Freshman), and Ylise Visto (Incoming Voice Program Freshman)—earn their acceptance into LaGuardia. To take advantage of this free trial, students and their guardians can simply email a request to info@madinstitute.org Our lessons are held at AMDA Studios, located at 250 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019. For more details about our programs and offerings, please visit www.madinstitute.org. We look forward to the opportunity to work with the talented students of LaGuardia Arts High School and support them in their artistic journeys. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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SOUND + SCIENCE Sound+Science is actively recruiting high school students to join its 2025 cohort. Sound+Science is an innovative after-school program, research lab, and community in NYC for high school students interested in exploring the unique and deep connection between music, science, and technology. Through a unique curriculum, participants will explore modules like ‘The Hidden Codes in Electronic Music’, ‘From Hip-Hop to AI’, and Music Improvisation and the Evolution of the Mathematics of Computation Sound+Science, revealing the profound connections between music, technology, physics and mathematics. Participants can look forward to Masterclass Lectures, where industry experts shed light on the confluence of music and technology and the Studio Labs, which provide a hands-on environment for participants to apply their knowledge, fostering creativity and collaboration. Student Applications Questions? |
*DISCLAIMER* The LaGaurdia PA does not endorse nor recommend any of the above organizations. Resource and Opportunity listing is provided simply as a means to share information with our Music Studio Community. |
Upcoming Events on the LaG School Calendar | | Tuesday, June 17 | | | | | | Wednesday, June 18 | | | | | Thursday, June 19 | | | Friday, June 20 | | | | | | Monday, June 23 | | | | Tuesday, June 24 | | | | | Wednesday, June 25 | | | Thursday, June 26 | | |
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