Northport-East Northport Schools Dedicates Robert W. Krueger Center for the Performing Arts

Submitted by Northport-East Northport School District

On Jan. 10, the Northport-East Northport School District held a special dedication ceremony for its Robert W. Krueger Center for the Performing Arts at Northport High School.

To celebrate the dedication of the renovated auditorium space, approximately 600 high school students and community musicians held a concert for the school community, highlighting the tremendous student talent within the district.

The event kicked off with a performance by the Northport High School Tour Choir and the Northport Choral, followed by a lyrical dance composition by the Northport High School Dance Ensemble. The Northport High School Orchestra and the Northport Symphony Orchestra then took the stage to perform a variety of musical numbers.

The Northport High School Symphonic Winds and the Northport Community Band united for two pieces, also featuring the Northport High School Choir and the Northport Chorale. To conclude the event, the Northport High School Tiger Marching Band played “Push On,” the fight song brought to Northport by Krueger from Northwestern University in 1957.

A variety of school and community officials attended the event, showcasing the tremendous impact that Krueger had on the Northport community. New York State Senator John Flanagan, whose children are active in the music program, shared fond memories of Krueger’s enthusiasm for the music program in the district. New York State Regent Roger Tilles, also present, remembered Krueger’s dedication to the students of Northport-East Northport.

“Mr. Krueger’s contributions to music education, life-long learning, and pride in community continue to resonate in Northport-East Northport,” Current Director of Music Education Dr. Izzet Mergen said, “We are standing on the shoulders of educational giants in music education.”

Robert W. Krueger, hired by the district as director of music education in 1957, spent 27 years with Northport-East Northport. He is credited with developing a comprehensive music education program of the highest caliber within the district and establishing the Northport Community Band, a group of 17 students and 3 adults within the community.

Under his guidance, the Northport High School Marching band played at more NY Jets half-time shows than any other high school in the New York metropolitan area, played at the opening game of the World Series in 1981 and was the official band of New York State at the 1965 World’s Fair. Krueger is the only person to be elected to the Presidency of both the Nassau and Suffolk County Music Educators Associations (NMEA and SCMEA).

Photos: School Board Trustee Jennifer Thompson; Former Superintendent Marylou McDermott; Pamela Dayton, Kreuger’s daughter; Board President Julia Binger; Trustee Donna McNaughton; Trustee Lori McCue; Trustee David Badanes and Trustee James Maloney just before the ceremonial ribbon was cut.

William J. Brosnan, Northport Superintendent Emeritus, recalled how Krueger stood up to Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and got his way.

Members of both the Northport High School Tour Choir (some who are also band members) and the Northport Chorale sang “The National Anthem.”

Members of the Northport High School IB dance class and of the Tigerettes performed a lyrical dance choreographed by student Alexandra Infranco, front, called “The Pioneer.”

Members of the Northport High School Orchestra and of the Northport Symphony Orchestra performed Mozart’s “Overture to Don Giovanni” and “Soirees Musicales” by Benjamin Britten.

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