Eight student-musicians from William Floyd High School recently earned New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State recognition, one of the highest honors a high school musician can earn in New York State! These talented All-State musicians will have the opportunity to perform alongside their fellow top NYS high school musicians on December 6-7 at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester, NY!

In order to attain All-State status, student-musicians must earn a perfect score on their NYSSMA Level VI solo performance. They will then earn selection to one of eight All-State bands, chorus, orchestra and jazz ensembles. There is an additional alternates list crafted for any student-musician who earned a perfect score on their solo but could not be accommodated for one of the limited spots available in each All-State group.  Approximately 600 student-musicians throughout New York State are selected for NYSSMA All-State honors in a field that features more than 1,000 total applicants.  

This year’s All-State honorees include:

• Jackson Seifert, who earned selection in four categories, Symphony Orchestra trombone, Instrumental Jazz tenor trombone 3, Instrumental Jazz bass trombone and alternate bass trombone
• Becky Neikens, who earned selection in two categories, 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
• 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)!