Two WHHS seniors selected for All-State

This year, West Hempstead High School is sending two students to participate in the New York State School Music Association’s All-State Mixed Chorus competition. Amar Benkhoukha and Jordan Bak earned the prestigious honors by performing at previous NYSSMA events and receiving perfect scores.

Benkhouhka, a senior, has been singing for the last three years. He primarily sings opera and Broadway-style music, and plays the guitar or piano to accompany his vocal performances.

“I consider music a way of life for me,” Benkhouhka said. “It drives me as an individual. It has always been a great love of mine.”

Of being selected to participate in the competition, the 16-year-old is proud and excited. “I didn’t believe it at first,” he said. “When I realized it, I felt completely joy and like I accomplished something spectacular. It feels absolutely amazing.”

Benkhouhka went to say that he feels honored to represent West Hempstead High School and the district in this way.

Although Bak, also a senior, has already experienced his share of music-related competitions and events, he, too, is excited to be heading to the All-State Symphonic Orchestra competition.

“It’s a great achievement,” said the 17-year-old. “I am very proud to represent my community, since I am one of the first string players to be selected from West Hempstead in many years.”

Music has been a part of Bak’s life since he was 2 years old. He started out playing piano and, at age 9, began playing the viola. Bak also plays the violin and received perfect scores on both the viola and violin at NYSSMA.

“I usually play music by feeling it rather than just looking what is on the page,” Bak said of his relationship to music.

Bak has previously been selected to perform with the Long Island String Festival Association and Nassau Music Educator’s Association. He also performed with the All-County Orchestra and served as a principal violinist for the Young Symphonic Ensemble. Bak was a recipient of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame Scholarship.

“West Hempstead High School is extremely proud to have two students selected for this prestigious honor,” said Eric Albinder, music and related arts director for the district. “Only three students have been selected just in the past 10 years. Amar and Jordan are phenomenal musicians who exhibit tremendous talent and potential. They truly represent ‘the best of the best’ from our community.”

West Hempstead High School also gave recognition to senior Oswaldo Machado who submitted a composition — “Symphony No. 1,” one of numerous pieces that he developed throughout the last few years —  for NYSSMA’s Young Composers Concert. Machado’s three years of music theory courses and piano skills have helped him to become an aspiring young composer and he is the first WHHS student ever to submit a composition on the state level.