Three students earn NYSSMA’s top honor

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The Baldwin High School’s Fine and Performing Arts Department is starting off their school year on a high note because of three talented students.

The New York State School Music Association or NYSSMA has recognized Travis Brown, Camdresa Davis, and Rachel Lyons as All-State musicians. All-State musicians comprise a highly selective ensemble of aspiring junior and senior students, representing the best performers and musicians in New York State.

NYSSMA advocates for music education across New York State with affiliated schools. NYSSMA facilitates this by choosing students from across the state to be recognized for best players in skill-based categories. The most notable; All-County and All-State, are the two heist honors the organization recognizes.

The three students, all seniors, were selected to All-State based on their musical merit. Travis Brown, a tuba player was selected for the Symphony Orchestra. Camdresa Davis, a violin player, and Rachel Lyons, a cello player, was selected from thousands of participant musicians from across New York State as Alternates. 

They were selected for demonstrating excellence of the greatest difficulty during the NYSSMA solo evaluations. It is one of the greatest and highest honors that can be bestowed on a student musician.

Andre Poprilo, director of the fine and performing arts for Baldwin Union free School district, said these students have been on a journey to be recognized as All-State musicians. He said these students began their journey years ago and through the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are as proud of their musicianship as we are of their resilience, tenacity, and humanity,” said Poprilo. “Congratulations!”

These students add to the history of proficient and recognized musical scholars. All-State recognition is another achievement for these students and the Baldwin Union Free School District.