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A diverse group of people poses on stage in a theater, lit by purple lights, as an audience watches. The mood is celebratory and formal.
Board of Education Salutes Big Performing and Fine Arts Wins

A special Mariachi band performance and recognition of student artists highlighted the Brentwood Board of Education meeting on March 19, showcasing the district’s commitment to arts education and student achievement.

The performance marked the realization of a long-standing vision led by Coordinator of Performing and Fine Arts Angel Perez, who is approaching retirement after nearly a decade of service. Under the direction of music educator Ms. Yamagishi, the student Mariachi band delivered what Superintendent Wanda Ortiz-Rivera described as a “breathtaking” performance.

“I could not hold back my tears. My heart was filled with so much emotion and gratitude,” Ortiz-Rivera said. “Our students are truly remarkable.”

The evening also featured recognition of student musicians and visual artists for achievements in regional and statewide ensembles and exhibitions across Long Island and beyond. The Board emphasized the role of the arts in student development, noting that music and visual arts provide students with opportunities to express their identities and connect with others.

District leaders also recognized the contributions of Perez, Assistant Coordinator Ms. Sittler, and Brentwood’s arts educators for their leadership and dedication in expanding opportunities for students. The meeting underscored the district’s continued investment in arts programs and the impact of those programs on student growth and achievement.

A group of people, including a man in a suit holding a microphone, are gathered on a stage with a green curtain backdrop.
A group of musicians playing brass instruments on a stage, with a colorful backdrop and lighting creating a vibrant performance atmosphere.
A group of musicians, including saxophonists and trumpeters, performing on stage with colorful lighting in the background.
A large auditorium filled with an audience watching a performance on stage, with a backdrop of American flags and colorful lighting.
The image shows a group of young musicians performing on stage, with one individual playing a violin in the foreground against a backdrop of a green curtain.
A panel discussion is taking place on a stage, with several individuals seated at a table covered in a green tablecloth, against a vibrant pink background.
A large group of people, including both adults and children, are standing on a stage with a purple-lit backdrop, holding various musical instruments such as violins and cellos.
A large group of people, both adults and children, are standing on a stage with a purple and orange backdrop, surrounded by various stage equipment and chairs in the foreground.