Valerie Nuzzolo Congratulations to the three Stewart School students who received music awards sponsored by the Friends of Music. Valerie Nuzzolo received the Outstanding Achievement to Band award, Keara Martin received the Outstanding Achievement in Orchestra award and Joanna Jaeger received the Outstanding Achievement in Vocal Music award.

Valerie Nuzzolo - Outstanding Achievement In Band

Valerie began playing the clarinet in the fourth grade under the direction o f Mr. Peter Stanganelli at Stewart School. She also studied privately with her grandfather, Joseph Canzoneri, who was the director of Music in the Uniondale Public Schools. Valerie performed a level I NYSSMA solo in May 2004 and received a perfect score. As a result, she was accepted into the All-County Band and participated in a concert at the Tilles Center in January 2005. Valerie continues studying the clarinet, and this year performed a Level III NYSSMA solo entitled “Divertamento in Bb” by Mozart and received a score of excellent.

Keara Martin

Keara Martin - Outstanding Achievement In Orchestra

Following in her sister’s Brigid’s footsteps, Keara began playing classical violin at the age of eight. She joined the orchestra at the Stewart School in the third grade and her skills blossomed under the tutelage of Mrs. Frances Dial, her music teacher. Besides her training in school, Keara also takes private lessons in classical violin from Doris Leibman, an accomplished musician in her own right.

Keara was honored to be invited to join the “Orchestra for Talented Youth” in 2002. Founded by Peter and Ivy Chang and conducted by Mrs. Frances Dial, OTY, based in Oyster Bay, meets weekly and fulfills community service by performing at various hospitals and senior centers throughout Nassau County. OTY also collaborated and performed a concert this past May with the renown “South Shore Symphony” conducted by Maestro Scott Jackson Wiley.

Keara was flattered by her invitation to join the All-County Orchestra this past January. Collaborating with her peers from all the Nassau County Schools and performing at Tilles Center was a great thrill Keara will not soon forget.