Eight students from William Floyd High School have been recognized by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) as All-State musicians, a distinction awarded to top high school performers in New York. These students will participate in performances at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester on December 6-7.
To be named an All-State musician, students must achieve a perfect score on their NYSSMA Level VI solo performance. Afterward, they may be selected for one of eight ensembles that include bands, chorus, orchestra, and jazz groups. There is also an alternates list for those who earn perfect scores but are not placed due to limited spots. Each year, about 600 student-musicians are chosen from over 1,000 applicants across the state.
This year's honorees from William Floyd High School are Jackson Seifert (selected in four categories: Symphony Orchestra trombone, Instrumental Jazz tenor trombone 3, Instrumental Jazz bass trombone and alternate bass trombone), Becky Neikens (Symphonic Band piccolo and alternate flute), Kolton Chamberlain (Symphonic Band tuba), Shirley Galindo Jeronimo (Treble Chorus alto 2), Frankie Mattera (Mixed Chorus tenor 2), Vincent Montecalvo (Symphony Orchestra viola), Evan Schoefer (String Orchestra violin), and Colin Smith (Mixed Chorus bass 1).
"Congratulations to these eight amazing All-State student-musicians and their teachers including Diana Brown Hoppe (orchestra), Garry Helbock (band), Kimberly Hyland (band), Donia Rivera (choir), Michelle Seifert (choir) and Sarah Weber (orchestra)!"