A total of 124 student-musicians from William Floyd School District have been recognized by the Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA) for All-County honors. This achievement surpasses last year's record of 91 students selected.
The district's music program has seen significant success this year, with various honors awarded to its students. Earlier, 28 juniors and seniors were chosen for the New York State Council of Administrators for Music Education (NYSCAME) All-County Music Festival, and 18 fourth graders participated in the SCMEA PEAK Festival. Additionally, students received recognition from the Long Island String Festival Association (LISFA), New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA), and other prestigious organizations.
"Congratulations to the students, their teachers and the entire music department," said Dr. Amy Sckipp, William Floyd’s Coordinator of Music.
William Floyd High School directors Kimberly Hyland, Michelle Seifert, and Sarah Weber led several members to achieve SCMEA All-County Band status. The orchestra included talents like Emily Behrens on violin and Ryan Flores on viola. The chorus featured voices such as Hajaratu Barrie as a soprano.
Instructors Dawn Conefry, Lauren Farrell, Amanda Gardner, and Debora-Ann Tomko guided middle school musicians who excelled in band categories like flute and trumpet at William Floyd Middle School. Similarly, instructors Joseph Cordaro and others led William Paca Middle School musicians to accolades in band instruments including alto saxophone and clarinet.
Elementary schools within the district also celebrated achievements under instructors Garrett Rode at William Floyd Elementary School; Ryan Feldscher at Tangier Smith Elementary; Sharon Kitzis at John S. Hobart Elementary; and Joel Staub at Moriches Elementary School.
Overall, more than 200 student-musicians from across these schools were acknowledged for their dedication to music education this year.