Music Department

NYSSMA INFORMATION

Welcome to the Shoreham-Wading River Music Department Website! This site will provide the students, their families, and the community a greater understanding and awareness of the music program in our schools. Included at the bottom of this page are links to a Music News page, the various music programs found at each building, links to local, state, and national organizations/affiliates, frequently asked questions link pertaining to NYSSMA as well as annual county/state/national music concerts/events, and a district-wide calendar listing various music concerts/events that take place throughout the school year.

Top Music Honors at Music in the Parks Festival

Albert G. Prodell Middle School’s choirs brought home top honors at the 2025 Music in the Parks festival, held this past weekend at Six Flags, earning a series of first place finishes and a prestigious overall award.

Under the direction of John Samonte, the Middle School Chromatics Men’s Choir and the Quartertones Show Choir each placed first in their respective categories, demonstrating exceptional musicality, stage presence and professionalism. In addition to their category wins, the combined efforts of the ensembles led to the highest honor of the day – the Overall Middle School Choir Award, given to the top-scoring choral group among all participating middle schools.

Additionally, Jamyson Ochoa, an eighth grader and featured soloist, received the Outstanding Soloist Award, a recognition presented to individual performers who demonstrate remarkable vocal skill and artistry.

“These students have worked incredibly hard all year, and it’s so rewarding to see their dedication recognized on a big stage,” said Mr. Samonte.

Date Added: 7/30/2025

Students Inspired by Symphonic Storytelling

Who knew that a trip to Stony Brook University to see “Peter and the Wolf’ would result in meeting up with the schools’ athletic mascot Wolfie the Seawolf?

That is just what happened when Wading River School’s third and fourth graders set out for composer Sergei Prokofiev’s symphonic fairy tale featuring the Staller Center Outreach Ensemble, which includes SBU music department students.

The event was an opportunity to introduce many of the students to symphonic storytelling and classical music.

The Shoreham-Wading River School District and Wading River School students thank Mr. Paul Newland, Outreach Director at the Staller Center for the Arts, for providing this special event for students to experience this beloved children's classic.

Date Added: 7/30/2025