Six students from Northport High School were accepted to the NYSSMA All-State Performing Ensembles, with an additional 11 students accepted as alternates. Additionally, four students were selected for NYSSMA All-State Composition. Only 12 students were selected state wide for this honor. The ensembles are resuming in person in Rochester, NY, this December, with students having an opportunity to perform together upstate.
Students selected scored among the top musicians in New York State, and the recognition is a reflection of their talent and hard work. According to NYSSMA, over 6,500 students apply with approximately 900 ultimately chosen to participate. In partnership with their teachers, these students will now begin preparing for their All-State performances.
“Being chosen for an All-State Performing Ensemble and All-State Composition is a highlight of any young musician’s career,” shared Dr. Izzet Mergen, Director of Fine & Performing Arts for the district. “These students have combined their raw talent with hard work to achieve this designation, and with the support of our committed music educators, I have no doubt they will exceed expectations in their performances.”
NYSSMA All-State Performing Ensemble students:
Nicholas Gilligan – Symphonic Band -Bb Clarinet
Samantha Libbey – Symphony Orchestra - Violin
Valentina Masone - Symphony Orchestra - Viola
Julia Mescallado - Symphony Orchestra - Snare Drum
Nina Ritter – Mixed Chorus – Soprano 2
Benjamin Shea – Symphonic Band – Tenor Saxophone
Charlotte Bingham – Bassoon – Alternate
Juliette Bonchonsky – Flute – Alternate
Peyton Brill – Alto 1 – Alternate
James Conolly – Bb Clarinet – Alternate
Abigal Friese – Trombone – Alternate
James Graziano – Bass 1 – Alternate
Christopher Lucie – Multiple Percussion / Timpani – Alternate
Ruby Nolan – Flute – Alternate
Kate Nye – Double Bass – Alternate
James Posillico – Trumpet – Alternate
Clare Vogt – Soprano 2 - Alternate
NYSSMA All-State Composition Students:
Benjamin Shea - Music Composition
Patrick Hines - Music Composition
Alexa Valentino - Songwriting
Jackson Briner - Electronic Music