Mourning The Loss of a Beloved Fellow Music Educator

It is with great sorrow that the New York State School Music Association mourns the loss of one of our own, Gina Pellettiere from Farmingdale High School. Gina was a “Gold with Distinction” music educator whose work in the music classroom impacted both the Farmingdale Schools and NYSSMA. The lives she touched through the power of music education will be a valued and treasured legacy for decades to come.

Gina was widely loved by generations of students. Through her vibrant program she touched many lives. The program she built and maintained at Farmingdale High School was second to none. Gina was currently serving her Nassau County colleagues as Membership Chair for the Nassau Music Educators Association. Always working for the benefit of all students well beyond the school day, Gina was an incredible teacher, a beautiful child advocate, and a force to be reckoned with in music education. 

Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to Gina’s family, colleagues, students, and all those involved in the horrific bus accident that occurred while traveling with her school’s marching band.

May only peace and love from the membership of NYSSMA be felt in Farmingdale tonight and for the days and weeks to come!