Twelve students from William Floyd High School have been selected as New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State musicians for 2024. This distinction is awarded to the top high school musicians in New York State. The NYSSMA All-State Festival will be held from December 5-8 at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music Concert Hall.
The selected NYSSMA All-State students include Jackson Seifert, who has been recognized in three categories: jazz bass trombone/instrumental jazz, trombone part I/symphonic band, and bass trombone/symphony orchestra. Joshua Crespo was chosen in two categories: alto saxophone part II/symphonic band and baritone saxophone/symphonic band. Other students include Aisha Barrie, alto II/treble chorus; Thomas Betz, tenor I/mixed chorus; Kolton Chamberlain, tuba/symphonic band; and Colin Smith, bass II/mixed chorus.
Additionally, alternates for NYSSMA include Hannah Acero-Grant on French horn; Joseph Cabrera as bass II; Darren Ertola on snare drum; Jayden Lopez as bass II; Evan Schoefer on violin; and Jacob White as bass II.
William Floyd High School music teachers Garry Helbock and Kim Hyland (band), Diane Brown-Hoppe and Sarah Weber (orchestra), along with Donia Rivera and Michelle Seifert (choral) were acknowledged for their efforts.
Dr. Amy Sckipp, coordinator of music at William Floyd School District, stated: “Congratulations to the students and their teachers on this tremendous honor.” She added that these achievements reflect the dedication of the entire music department across all educational levels within the district.
Each spring, numerous high school students vie for limited positions in eight NYSSMA All-State ensembles. To qualify, participants must achieve a perfect score on a Level VI NYSSMA solo. Judges then compile proficiency lists before inviting top candidates to the All-State Conference. Students chosen will perform under some of the nation's most esteemed conductors.