Five Baldwin High School students named all-state musicians

Five Baldwin High School students have earned one of the most prestigious honors in music education, being named All-State performers by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA).

Brandon Firth (euphonium), Rohan Khan (French horn), Ava Celeste Iraola-Velasquez (soprano 1), and Alan Wilson (tuba) were selected for the honor, while Damian Figueroa (trombone) was named an alternate. The students were chosen from thousands of applicants statewide based on their top scores during NYSSMA’s solo evaluations.

“Baldwin All State students are the pride of the music department,” said André Poprilo, director of fine and performing arts for the Baldwin Union Free School District. “Every teacher in the K-12 performing arts program plays a role in developing these most accomplished students.”

As All-State musicians, the students will perform at NYSSMA’s annual Winter Conference, held Dec. 4–7 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. The event brings together hundreds of the state’s best young musicians to rehearse and perform under the direction of nationally recognized conductors.

“I am incredibly proud, as should our music community, to see this many students recognized as All-State Musicians, which is considered to be the highest honor for a student musician in New York State,” said Baldwin High School Principal Dr. Neil Testa. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication of our music teachers, the talent of our students, and the unwavering support of their families. Congratulations!”

The recognition also reflects the strength of Baldwin’s Fine & Performing Arts program. The district offers a wide range of opportunities beginning in elementary school, and students can continue to grow their skills through chorus, band, orchestra, theater and advanced music theory at the high school level.

Each year, more than 6,000 high school sophomores and juniors audition for the NYSSMA All-State ensembles, but only about 600 are selected. Students must achieve a perfect score in a demanding audition that includes a solo performance, 13 scales, and a sight-reading exam.

Founded in 1932, NYSSMA is the largest state music educators’ association in the country, with more than 5,000 members who teach music in public, private, and parochial schools across New York. The organization advocates for strong music programs in schools and provides opportunities such as festivals, evaluations, and the All-State program to promote musical excellence. Over the decades, NYSSMA’s model has influenced similar programs across the nation, and its All-State selections are widely regarded as a pathway for students who go on to study music at top universities and conservatories.