Three students from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District have been selected to participate in the prestigious NYSSMA All-State Music Festival, representing the district among the top student musicians from across New York State.
The All-State selection process begins during the previous school year. Students must first be recommended by their music director and perform a Level 6 audition piece at the spring NYSSMA festival, earning a score of 98 or higher to be considered for selection.
The NYSSMA All-State bands, choruses, orchestras and jazz ensembles bring together outstanding student musicians from school districts throughout New York State. Selected students work with renowned guest conductors during several days of intensive rehearsals before performing at the world-famous Eastman Theatre in Rochester as part of the annual NYSSMA Winter Conference.
The following students will travel to Rochester from Dec. 3-6 to participate in rehearsals and performances: John F. Kennedy High School student Chloe Auyeung, on cello with the Symphony Orchestra; and Sanford H. Calhoun High School students Kohana Bloom, an oboe and English horn alternate and Nicholas Rooney, a bass 2 vocal alternate.
“These students have demonstrated an extraordinary level of musical ability, but their selection also reflects the countless hours they have dedicated to developing their craft,” said Director of Fine and Performing Arts Cheryl Fontana. “We are thrilled to see them recognized at the state level, and we look forward to celebrating this exciting accomplishment with them. Their success is also a wonderful reflection of the commitment and encouragement provided by their music teachers, Ms. Kenyon, Ms. Pincus and Mr. Tumminelli.”
