Five Baldwin High School Students Awarded NYSSMA’s Prestigious Honor
Baldwin High School’s Fine & Performing Arts Department has commenced the year on a high ‘note.’ Five students have been named New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State performers, an elite ensemble featuring the most talented juniors and seniors from across New York.
Brandon Firth (Euphonium), Rohan Khan (French Horn), Ava Celeste Iraola-Velasquez (Soprano 1), Alan Wilson (Tuba) as well as alternate, Damian Figueroa (Trombone) were selected from thousands of participants statewide for their exceptional performance at the highest level of difficulty during the NYSSMA solo evaluations. This accolade represents the pinnacle of achievement for student musicians in New York.
“Baldwin All State students are the pride of the music department,” said André Poprilo, director of fine and performing arts for Baldwin Union Free School District. “Every teacher in the K-12 performing arts program plays a role in developing these most accomplished students.”
In addition, as all-state musicians the students have been invited to participate in NYSSMA’s annual Winter Conference at the Rochester Convention Center, scheduled for December 4 through December 7. There, the Baldwin musicians will rehearse and perform alongside other selected high school students from across the state under the guidance of nationally recognized conductors.
"I am incredibly proud, as should our music community, to see this many students recognized as All-State Musicians, which is considered to be the highest honor for a student musician in New York State,” said Dr. Neil Testa, principal of Baldwin High School. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication of our music teachers, the talent of our students, and the unwavering support of their families. Congratulations!"
Each year, more than 6,000 high school sophomores and juniors audition for All-State, but only six hundred are selected statewide. To gain acceptance, students must achieve a perfect score during a formal audition, which consists of performing a solo, thirteen scales, and completing a sight-reading exam.