Nicole Castaldo Named Huntington’s Orchestra Director
One era is ending and a new one is set to begin at Huntington High School. Longtime orchestra teacher and director Lisa Leonardi is retiring from her faculty position at the end of June. Nicole Castaldo has been appointed to assume the post on September 1.
Ms. Leonardi has led Huntington’s orchestra program for many years. Her final concert last week earned rave reviews. She will leave behind many fine underclassmen musicians for Mrs. Castaldo, who is expected to hit the ground running when the 2014/15 school year commences.
Mrs. Castaldo obtained a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Economics in 2005 and a Master of Science in Economics in 2006 at Lehigh University. She earned a Master of Science in Music Education at Long Island University’s C.W. Post College in January 2011.
“Mrs. Castaldo demonstrates great professionalism, skill and artistry,” said Sarah Gill, Huntington’s district director of fine and performing arts. “I know she will continue the excellent work Lisa Leonardi has done throughout the years and take our string program to new heights.”
Huntington officials reviewed 125 applications for the position, pre-screened 36 candidates and conducted 12 personal interviews prior to recommending Mrs. Castaldo for appointment.
Mrs. Castaldo is coming to Huntington from the Wall Township Public Schools in New Jersey, where she has worked since September 2012 as a general music and orchestra teacher. She earlier served for a year at PS 30 in Queens and for three months in the Camden Central School District in New Jersey.
The Huntington School Board approved Mrs. Castaldo’s appointment during a public meeting of the trustees this past Monday night. The new orchestra teacher/director was in the audience at the meeting and received a hearty round of applause when she was introduced to the crowd.