Students Demonstrate Their Musical Talents at Prominent Events in New York State

Our talented student musicians performed in esteemed Winter concerts across New York State this past weekend. Students participated at the All-County Chorus and All-County Band Music Festival in White Plains and, at the state level, at the prestigious New York State Band Directors Association in Syracuse. 

Ava Dominguez, Iris Griffin, and Jana Reimer were recognized for their musical achievement and chosen to participate at the Elementary/ Intermediate All-County Band Concert in White Plains.  Also receiving recognition for their musical talents are vocalists Kelly Pintado and Akari Utsumiin in the Elementary All-County Chorus and, in the Intermediate Chorus, James Dauer, Maya Tramantano, and Eliza Bartolacc.

Meanwhile, 250 miles to the north, Emmett Wirmer and Nina Lyppens performed with almost 100 students from across New York State in the Honor Bands at the NYSBDA Symposium. Nina played the flute with the High School Honor Band, while Emmett played the euphonium, a tenor-voiced brass horn with the Middle School Honor Band.   Being selected for the distinguished NYSBDA Symposium is highly competitive, as select students are chosen by a body of music educators from across New York State.

The District’s teachers got into the act too. The Music Department’s Mr. Austin Day chaired the NYSBDA All-State Honors Jazz Band in Syracuse.  Mr. Day has been serving on the NYSBDA board of directors for the past 4 years. SHMS Teacher Ms. Abigail Ferri was honored by being invited to conduct band directors from all over the state at the NYSBDA Conducting Symposium at the conference.  

NYSBDA is a not-for-profit educational education that provides enrichment opportunities for band teachers to enhance their programs while giving opportunities for outstanding musical students special performance opportunities across New York. The Symposium included leadership sessions, concerts with guest performers, as well as an ice cream social.

Kudos also to Ms. Edith Ramirez-Lopez and Ms. Jennifer Lefleur for supporting the District's music program and chaperoning at the All-County Music Festival.

For more information about NYSBDA or All-County, please visit www.nysbda.org and  www.WCSMA.org.