Malverne musicians are moving on up

“I’ve been singing since I could talk,” 16-year-old Samantha Henry recently told the Herald, adding that it has paid off, helping to launch her into the running for titles in statewide and regional competitions.

Henry and three other Malverne High School students were selected to participate in two competitions this year, the New York State School Music Association’s All-State Music Festival and the American Choral Directors’ Association.

“Contributions to the school community have been great from the music department,” said Michael Messina, chairman of the Malverne school district’s music department. “We’re trying to build on the positives that are happening here in the district and I think music is really leading the way as far as becoming a calling card for positive activities in the district.”

Last October, Malverne’s marching band, The Pride of Malverne, took the title at the state Marching Band Championships, closing the season undefeated. In January, 20 Malverne students were selected to the All-County performing Group and in May the high school’s Select Choir placed first in the national High School Mixed Chorus Division A Competition, scoring 92.5, a full 12 points above the second-highest ranked school in the competition.

This school year started off in the right direction, with invitations to the two competitions. Henry and fellow 16-year-old junior Ashanti Graham will compete in both All-State and the ACDA competition. Senior Zachary St. John will compete in All-State and senior Jahlil Burke will compete in the ACDA Eastern Division Latino Repertoire Ensemble Honor Choir.

The four students were excited to be chosen for the competitions, nervous about performing, but proud to represent their district, their families and themselves.