News
Music students take part in 'once in a lifetime opportunity'
Dec. 6, 2011
This
past weekend, two students from Mohonasen participated in the All
State Music Festival in Rochester. Brendan Elmore, a percussion
student in the band, was selected to perform in the Wind Ensemble.
Tyler Best, a vocalist in our choir, was selected to perform in the
Women’s Choir.
In order to be selected for All State, a student must complete an “All State” level solo at the annual NYSSMA solo festival. Students prepare a solo piece based on their ability level and an All State level solo is the highest – or hardest – level. Most All State solos also include aligning your piece with a piano accompanist. Not only must a student perform an All State solo at NYSSMA, they must receive a perfect score of a 100. Judges then review every solo score and chose the students that reflect the highest quality per instrumental/vocal part in New York State.
Given this process, it is very rare for a student to be selected for the All State Festival.
“It makes our department very proud to have not only one student, but two who were chosen for this honor. This is direct reflection on the dedication of our students and our hard working staff members,” said Kimberly Kondenar, Mohonasen Facilitator of Performing Arts.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our students. It is not only an amazing weekend, but one of the best references one can have to help in the college acceptance process,” she added.
Once students are selected for All State, they are invited to participate in the All State Conference. This involves traveling to Rochester for a weekend of performances. Students rehearse for hours and then put on a series of concerts.
The All State Conference, established by NAfME (National Association for Music Education), is also a wonderful opportunity for our staff members. While our selected students are in rehearsal, the teachers are encouraged to attend music education workshops. This year Ms. Gabriel and Mr. Jones attended the conference to support our students.
