Howell Road Students Meet Their Assemblywoman At NYSSMA Celebration

ALBANY, NY — For a group of Howell Road Elementary School students, an interest in music paid dividends this March. The students took a trip to Albany as part of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) “Music In Our Schools Month” celebration, which featured student performances at the Empire State Plaza from schools across the state.

Originally, “Music in Our Schools Month” was created as a single day in 1973. In the ensuing 53 years, the day-long celebration has expanded by 30 days, and grown to be celebrated in all 50 U.S. states and U.S. Military Base schools in Europe. In addition to student performances, officials say the celebrations in Albany give music educators the chance to speak to their state representatives to advocate for the importance of music in schools.

Among those state representatives was Howell Road’s own State Assemblywoman, Michaelle Solages. The Assemblywoman representing Elmont and Valley Stream was on hand to greet the students and faculty from Howell Road, sticking around to watch the school’s chamber orchestra and junior chorus perform. The performance, Solages said, was a source of no small amount of pride in her home district.

"Watching these young musicians take the stage in Albany fills me with tremendous pride," Solages said. "The students of Howell Road Elementary School are a true reflection of the talent and spirit of our community. Music education builds discipline, creativity, and confidence, and these young people demonstrate all of that and more. I also want to recognize Dr. Shepherd and the music teachers who invest so much of themselves in nurturing these students every single day."

The students performed under the direction of Principal Dr. Jasmine G. Shepherd and music teachers from the district.