PLAISTOW — A longtime Timberlane Regional School District music director was celebrated on Saturday for his dedication and contributions to the school district’s music program spanning more than 37 years.
The Timberlane Music Association and School District honored former music director Anthony “Tony” DiBartolomeo by renaming the auditorium at the Timberlane Performing Arts Center in his honor during a ceremony.
DiBartolomeo was a driving force to bring the space, at 40 Greenough Road, to the Timberlane Regional School District in 2002.
The auditorium is now called the “Anthony J. DiBartolomeo Auditorium.”
DiBartolomeo started at Timberlane in 1987 and was the high school band director. He retired in 2021.
While DiBartolomeo was unable to attend in person, he watched the event virtually and his family attended on his behalf.
Before the district had the Performing Arts Center, he helped transform the school’s cafeteria for its annual musical. He also founded the Timberlane Community Band.
A few hundred people filled the Performing Arts Center to celebrate DiBartolomeo with a slate of musical performances, first by the Timberlane Community Jazz Band. The Timberlane “All-Stars” then took the stage with students once taught by DiBartolomeo and who are now teachers themselves.
Brian Stack, Timberlane Music Association’s president, said they decided it was time to make a request to the School Board asking them to consider naming the auditorium after DiBartolomeo about a year ago.
Timberlane Regional School District Superintendent Justin Krieger said DiBartolomeo’s contributions to the district are extensive.
He added DiBartolomeo grew the music program into what it’s become and what it will continue to become as the “gold standard of music programming in the state of New Hampshire.” Students who have played music in the district, he said, become teachers for the kids who will continue the cycle.
It’s that pride and drive DiBartolomeo established in the district, he added.
“That is a remarkable accomplishment,” Krieger said. “Thank you for leaving us with that here Tony.”