Three students from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District have been selected for the prestigious NYSSMA All-State Music Festival, Herald Community Newspapers reported.
John F. Kennedy High School student Chloe Auyeung will perform on cello with the Symphony Orchestra, while Sanford H. Calhoun High School students Kohana Bloom and Nicholas Rooney were named alternates on oboe and English horn, and bass 2 vocal, respectively. The students will travel to Rochester from Dec. 3-6 for rehearsals and performances at the Eastman Theatre during the annual NYSSMA Winter Conference.
The selection process begins during the previous school year, when students must 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. The All-State bands, choruses, orchestras and jazz ensembles bring together outstanding student musicians from districts throughout New York State, where selected students work with renowned guest conductors during intensive rehearsals.
Director of Fine and Performing Arts Cheryl Fontana said the students demonstrated extraordinary musical ability and dedicated countless hours to developing their craft. She credited music teachers Ms. Kenyon, Ms. Pincus and Mr. Tumminelli for their commitment and encouragement, noting the selections reflect the strength of the district’s music programs.
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