On Sunday, June 2nd, the Northport community gathered to celebrate the achievements in art and music by students of all ages in the Northport-East Northport School District. Northport Harbor was filled with different art pieces from all of the seven schools and many musical groups performed as well, making the 2024 Art and Music Festival a day to remember. Although this event was meant to celebrate students, the music staff was also honored by none other than their students themselves!
Breaking from tradition, a group of students led by Eileen Yun and Jordan Kuo presented the music staff with a beautifully hand-painted violin at the event to symbolize the students’ gratitude for their favorite teachers. The group of students, which included Nicole Chang, Abby Ng, Jonas Raio, and Lily Beamer; are all currently in the Northport High School Symphony Orchestra which is led by Mr. Susinno.
When asked about the origins of this event, Jordan Kuo stated that him and his mom came up with the idea and bought the violin, but Eileen Yun painted the designs. Both were able to present it to the music staff at the Art and Music Festival alongside Dr. Mergen, who is the Northport-East Northport School District’s Director of Fine and Performing Arts.
Although the painting is original, Eileen stated that she was inspired by impressionist painter Claude Monet and a Brooklyn-based artist named Claire Buckley. When asked, Eileen said that “Impressionist painting made me think of how music can be played by different people but in different ways.” Additionally, the theme of the violin was “Decaying with Life” because of how violins age and develop over time. Eileen explains this, stating that “…as violins gets older, the sound gets better,” which also explains the flowers on the violin, as Eileen “… wanted to make it look like the sound was blooming.”
Despite the Art and Music Festival being an annual event, Eileen and Jordan chose to present the violin now because of many amazing musical events that happened this year, especially within the Symphony Orchestra. In February, the orchestra was able to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, and this summer, they will perform in Paris, France. Also, Eileen cited Mrs. Michalopoulos and Mr. Warren’s retirement and that because of this, “…it would be special to present the violin at the end of the year.”
Overall, these Northport students definitely succeeded in honoring the district-wide music staff at this cherished annual event. The time spent painting this beautiful violin speaks to Eileen and Jordan’s dedication and their love for Northport’s music program. The Port Press wishes Mr. Warren and Mrs. Michalopoulos a wonderful retirement and thanks the amazing music teachers of Northport for all of their hard work!
