July 12, 2016

Francis Abel, Jr.

Francis Abel, after thirty-five years of service, is a retired high school music educator. He was also the former Minister of Music for the Memorial Presbyterian Church of Roosevelt, NY and the former Gospel Choir Director for The Lady Of Loretta, The St. Marths’s and The St. Ladislaus Catholic Churches of Long Island.

He is the son of Francis and Hazel Abel Sr., born February 3rd, 1946 in Philadelphia, PA. Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, Frankie Jr. went to the prestigious Music and Art High School as a classical violinist. After moving to Roosevelt, NY., Frank attended Howard University, where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. While attending Howard, he became a member of OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC. and PHI MU ALPHA SINFONIA MUSIC FRATERNITY. After graduation from Howard, Frank taught vocal music at Mulligan Jr. High School in Central Islip, NY during the day and performed in various New York nightclubs, as a singer and keyboardist, with his own Rhythm and Blues bands. For a decade, from 1969 to 1979, Frank and his band played the club and concert scene from Canada, Europe and Africa, calling Paris, France their home away from home. Recording and living the life most musicians only dream about.

From 1984-1990, Frank taught his first marching band a Wyandanch Memorial High School. During his tenure there he and his students won over 70 music awards. As Director of Fine Arts, he received the Excellence in Teaching, Outstanding Service, Outstanding Contribution and the PTSA Standard of Excellence Awards. While teaching at Wyandanch High School, Frank earned a Masters Degree in Music Education from Long Island University with a 4.0 GPA.

From 1990-1991, Frank taught marching, jazz and concert bands at Jones High School, Orlando, Florida.  Under his able baton, the Jones HS concert band received an “EXCELLENT” rating in festival competition, the first in over ten years. He received the JONES HS Band Parent Association Standard of Excellence Award.

From 1991-1996, Frank taught the jazz, concert and marching bands at Mount Vernon High School, Mount Vernon, NY. During his tenure at Mount Vernon, Frank and his students performed for international television events (ESPN National Hockey League playoff game), the first marching band to perform for an MTV rock video, numerous TV commercial (Snapple, McDonalds and AT&T 1 800-collect), Miss America Pageant Parade in Atlantic City, received recognition of success from Channel 4 News Special and numerous local and national parades. He received The Jenkins (Lifetime Member PTSA) Award, The Positive image NYSPT Congress INC, Award, The Westchester District Outstanding Service Award and the Mount HS Alumni Award. A PROCLAMATION by the Mayor, City of Mount Vernon, that May21st, 1993 is FRANK ABEL DAY.

From 1996-2011, Frank was the Director of Bands at Uniondale High School, Uniondale, NY. He, his students and staff have received international and national recognition for this prestigious Long Island High School. In November 1997, Frank received the first SUPERINTENDENTS SPOTLIGHT AWARD. The cover story of the June 1999 issue of the international distributed SCHOOL BAND AND ORCHESTRA MAGAZINE was an interview of Frank Abel. The title of the up close interview was a “Rebel With A Cause”. The writer, Mr. Adam Winkler, spent four days, in Florida, with Frank, his staff and 145 Uniondale music students. “Put Mo Vaughn, the celebrated ex-Boston Red Sox-come-Anaheim Angels first baseman, in front of a band room of students and you’ll have Frank Abel. After spending a week with the man in Florida it is easy to see the comparison. His students love Frank. He is their hero, their mentor and their father away from home. Frank is passionate about his music and is outspoken”.

Frank Abel believes he is a man blessed by GOD; therefore, he must use his talents and experiences to teach others the joy that can be received through the performance of music. Whether performing a jazz piece with his FRIENDS BAND, Trustee for the Roosevelt Public Library and Cultural Arts Center, directing a high school musical or teaching a band class of 180 students how to perform with discipline, respect and pride, Frank Abel uses his talents to enhance the lives of others.