The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District has been named one of the nation’s best districts for music education in 2024 by the NAMM Foundation.
“It is so important to maintain a positive spotlight on the incredible work of our young musicians and their music educators,” said Erica Giglio Pac, the district’s director of Fine and Performing and Media Arts. “A recognition like this helps to shine a light on their work to a broader audience.”
Giglio Pac is entering her third year as director of the program, and in that time the district has undertaken several projects. She said one of the most ambitious projects was the construction of a new music and arts building at Oyster Bay High School.
The addition is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, Giglio Pac said.
“This facility provides a conducive environment for students to practice, learn and refine their musical skills,” she said. Improved facilities will give students access to more resources for their music education, she said.
Musician Billy Joel attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the high school. A supporter of the music program, Joel asked the district to provide live music for street renaming in his honor in October 2023, Giglio Pac said. The Sixth-Grade Advanced Band from Vernon School performed at the ceremony.
“His presence signifies the significance of our music program and the impact it has made in the community,” Giglio Pac said. “This support from a prominent figure in the music industry adds prestige and recognition to our district’s commitment to music education.”
Giglio Pac said that in addition to the high school’s recent renovation, the district is in the final stages of completing a new music building at Vernon School. The building will be used by the district’s third through sixth graders.
Giglio Pac said the district’s music education program stands apart from others because of the staff’s dedication and commitment to music and performance. Faculty members continue to work with professional musicians in addition to their role as educators.
“Our district’s music staff exemplifies dedication and excellence, as they not only excel in their roles as educators but also maintain strong connections to the professional music world,” Giglio Pac said.
Giglio Pac said these connections and relationships with professionals “demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and musical excellence.”
She said that as the staff continues to hone their skills and practice technique, they exemplify how students can continue their music education in the future. Students have the opportunity to meet and perform with professionals through this network.
In addition to staff, the district’s students, parents and administration all demonstrate a commitment to to the arts, she said.
“There has always been a strong commitment in participation from students and their families in the district,” she said.
Giglio Pac said students participate in a wide variety of musical clubs and extracurricular activities, including the jazz band, pep band, and school musicals.
Students also participate in the New York State School Music Association, both with solo and ensemble performances. Performers often earn Golds with Distinction and have the opportunity to perform at All-County and All-State performances through NYSSMA.
“Our music ensembles have consistently earned Golds with Distinction at NYSSMA Majors and Superior titles at the Long Island Music Festival,” Giglio Pac said. “These recognitions demonstrate the high level of musical excellence and dedication within our program.”
In addition to these festivals, Giglio Pac said the Oyster Bay High School ensembles have performed at prestigious locales in the area, including Carnegie Hall in Manhattan.
“Our high school musicians have had the extraordinary opportunity to perform at esteemed venues such as Carnegie Hall, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Radio City Music Hall, the New York State Band Directors Association Symposium, the Long Island Music Hall of Fame and the anniversary of the Jamaica Train Station,” she said.
The NAMM Foundation is a supporting organization of the National Association of Music Merchants, a music industry trade association. Founded in 2006, it continues to offer community, research, and scholarships.
Giglio Pac said the music department’s recent recognition will benefit students’ education in the future. Looking forward, the district hopes to cater to students’ interests and needs, whether that be through extracurricular activities or department programs, she said.
“We are always looking to expand and enrich our offerings and we encourage student-centered music organizations in the school,” she said.
