12 WFHS Students Selected for NYSSMA All-State

Twelve William Floyd High School student-musicians have been selected by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) as All-State student-musicians, an honor reserved for the best high school musicians in New York State. They now have the opportunity to perform in the annual All-State Conference scheduled for December 5-8, 2019, in upstate Rochester, NY.

This year’s William Floyd High School NYSSMA All-State students are: Anthony Barone (double bass/string orchestra); Maille Bowerman (flute/wind ensemble); Victoria Cordova (alto 1/alternate); Isabella Harkin (violin/symphony orchestra); Regan Kincaid (alto 1/alternate); Arianna Koutrokois (alto 1/alternate); Destiny Leinfus (alto 1/alternate); Melissa Mitchell (alto 2/treble chorus); Ephrem Romao (tenor 1/alternate); Joseph Rueb (bass trombone/symphony orchestra); Jarod Scott (bass 2/alternate); and Briana Start (alto 1/alternate).

“Achieving All-State is a testament to the hard work, dedication and high level of musicianship of each honoree,” said George Ober, coordinator of music, William Floyd School District. “All put forth stellar performances at the NYSSMA Solo adjudication festival last spring and will have the honor to represent our district and perform among fellow top musicians from across the state. Congratulations to the students, their teachers, Michael Cordaro, Garry Helbock, Barbara D’Orio and Christopher Shaughnessy, as well as all the William Floyd music faculty who have been instrumental in their success along the way.”

Every spring, thousands of high school students from across the state compete for a limited number of positions available in the eight NYSSMA All-State ensembles: vocal jazz, instrumental jazz ensemble, wind ensemble, string orchestra, treble chorus, mixed chorus, symphonic band and symphony orchestra. Participation requires a perfect or near perfect score on a Level VI NYSSMA solo. Judges compile a proficiency list of competing students at each NYSSMA festival around the state before inviting the top students on the proficiency list to the All-State Conference. Students chosen for NYSSMA All-State performing groups will have the opportunity to perform with some of the most recognized conductors in the country.