Mastic Beach, NY - October 3, 2017 - Five William Floyd High School student-musicians have been recognized by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) for musical excellence and will represent William Floyd at the annual All-State Winter Conference held in Rochester, NY, from November 30 – December 3, 2017. The students – Sarah Gross (treble chorus/symphonic band alternate), Zachary Neikens (symphonic orchestra), Elizabeth Scianno (mixed chorus), Albert Wheeler (mixed chorus) and Justin Wheeler (symphonic band/mixed chorus alternate) – will have the honor and opportunity to represent their district and perform with their peers and fellow top musicians from across New York State.
“Being selected among the top high school musicians in New York State is a testament to their hard work and dedication,” said George Ober, chairperson, William Floyd Music Department. “Their performances at the NYSSMA Solo adjudication festival demonstrated an extremely high level of musicianship which resulted in All-State recognition – an accomplishment that we are extremely proud of here at William Floyd. Congratulations to the students, their teachers Michael Cordaro, Barbara D’Orio and the William Floyd music staff who were instrumental in guiding them to be among the best student-musicians in New York State.”
Each spring, thousands of high school students from across New York State compete for a limited number of positions available in the eight NYSSMA All-State ensembles: vocal jazz, instrumental ensemble, wind ensemble, string orchestra, women’s chorus, mixed chorus, symphonic band and symphony orchestra. The students selected to perform with NYSSMA All-State performing groups will have the opportunity to perform with some of the most recognized conductors in the country.