Music
Hempstead offers a wide variety of educational experiences for its students including bands, orchestras, and choirs. Many of our students continue their musical growth throughout High School.
In addition to performing groups, the High School curriculum offers classes in Music Theory, Music in Our Lives, Keyboard Piano, and Guitar.
The extracurricular musicals and dramas, marching bands, chamber orchestras, wind ensembles and Vocal Chorale offer other exciting avenues for students to develop their musical interests and talents. The High School and Middle School have national recognized chapters of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
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3rd Annual District-Wide Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
October 18, 2025 | 2:00 PM | Dr. David B. Gates II Auditorium, Hempstead High School
Hempstead Public Schools proudly hosted its annual District-Wide Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, showcasing the creativity, culture, and unity of students across all grade levels. The event, held at the Dr. David B. Gates II Auditorium, featured performances that reflected the district’s commitment to cultural appreciation through music and the arts.
Following a warm welcome from Dr. Xavier Rodriguez, Director of Fine Arts, Music and Library Media, students from each school presented musical selections celebrating Hispanic heritage and community pride.
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Rhodes Academy for the Humanities and the Arts Choir (Ms. Courtney Dunn) opened the celebration with a vibrant rendition of “De Colores.”
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Barack Obama Elementary School’s 3rd and 4th Grade Chorus (Ms. Nicole Ruiz) followed with a spirited performance of “Proud Corazón.”
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Joseph A. McNeil School’s 5th and 6th Grade Band (Mr. Steven Waters) energized the audience with “Mucho Mariachi.”
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A.B.G.S. Middle School Band (Ms. Kerry Ramirez) continued the celebration with another performance of “De Colores.”
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Hempstead High School Chorale (Ms. Rachel Blackburn) brought the program to a powerful close with “Siyahamba” and a heartfelt solo, “Así Fue,” performed by Zeydi Guerra.
The celebration also included acknowledgments for the Board of Education, Central Administration, and Building Principals, whose leadership and support make events like this possible.
Special thanks were extended to the Custodial, Clerical, and Security Staff for their contributions in ensuring a successful and memorable district-wide celebration.
The program highlighted the exceptional talent of Hempstead students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, honoring Hispanic culture’s lasting influence and the district’s dedication to embracing diversity through the arts.
Director of Music, Media, & Fine Arts
Music Department