Two East Meadow Student Gain Musical Honors and National Recognition

The East Meadow School District congratulates two student-musicians for their musical achievements.

East Meadow High School senior Elton Ha has been selected to perform in the United States Army All-American Marching Band in San Antonio, Texas and All-National Honor Ensemble in Nashville, Tennessee. W. T. Clarke High School senior Juliet Rafanelli has been selected to perform in the American Choral Directors Association Eastern Division Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.

The United States Army All-American Marching Band features 125 top marching band members across the United States to perform at the United States Army All-American Bowl, a premier national high school football game. Elton will march with other top musicians in the half-time performance of the All-American Bowl at the Alamodome on Jan. 9, 2016 and spend a week receiving instruction from top collegiate instructors across the country and educational sessions from members of the United States Army Field Band.

Elton will also perform in the All-National Honor Ensemble in Nashville, Tennessee from Oct. 25-28. Hundreds of student-musicians will demonstrate their musical talents and perform a gala concert celebrating music and art education. The All-National Ensembles consist of a concert band, orchestra, mixed chorus and jazz ensemble. Elton will be performing in the symphony orchestra.

Juliet will perform in the American Choral Directors Association Eastern Division Conference in Boston Massachusetts from Feb. 10-13. The theme of this year’s conference is “pushing boundaries.” The conference will inspire musicians through collaborative performances, interest sessions and strengthen their passion for music.

“We are extremely proud of both Elton and Juliet’s hard work. We are thrilled to be a part of their musical journeys,” District Director of Music and Art Kati Behr said.

Photo 1) East Meadow High School: Brittany Dagro (Orchestra teacher), Deanna Nikirk (Band teacher), Michael Cascadi (Orchestra teacher), Caitlyn Hale (Chorus teacher), Elton Ha (Senior U.S. Army All-American Marching Band and All-National Ensemble student-musician), Molly Tittler (Band teacher), Christopher Hale (Department Music Chairperson) and Richard Howard (Principal).

Photo 2) W. T. Clarke High School: Steve Engle (Department Music Chairperson), Robin Hall (Chorus teacher), Juliet Rafanelli (Senior American Choral Directors Association student-musician), Kati Behr (District Director of Music and Art) and Timothy Voels (Principal).

Photos courtesy of the East Meadow School District