Suffolk Reporter

Twelve students from William Floyd High School have been selected as New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State musicians for 2024. This recognition is given to the top high school musicians in New York State. The NYSSMA All-State Festival will take place from December 5-8 at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music Concert Hall.

Among those honored, Jackson Seifert was selected in three categories: jazz bass trombone/instrumental jazz, trombone part I/symphonic band, and bass trombone/symphony orchestra. Joshua Crespo was chosen in two categories: alto saxophone part II/symphonic band and baritone saxophone/symphonic band. Other students include Aisha Barrie (alto II/treble chorus), Thomas Betz (tenor I/mixed chorus), Kolton Chamberlain (tuba/symphonic band), and Colin Smith (bass II/mixed chorus).

Additionally, six students were named as alternates: Hannah Acero-Grant (French horn), Joseph Cabrera (bass II), Darren Ertola (snare drum), Jayden Lopez (bass II), Evan Schoefer (violin), and Jacob White (bass II).

The success of these students can be attributed to their music teachers at William Floyd High School, including Garry Helbock and Kim Hyland for band; Diane Brown-Hoppe and Sarah Weber for orchestra; and Donia Rivera and Michelle Seifert for choral.

The All-State bands, chorus, orchestra, and jazz ensembles are composed of top students from music departments across New York State. These students will perform at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester during the annual NYSSMA Winter Conference in early December.

Dr. Amy Sckipp, coordinator of music at William Floyd School District, stated, “Congratulations to the students and their teachers on this tremendous honor. These results are a testament to the entire music department from elementary school, middle school through high school, who have provided encouragement and exceptional training along the way.”

Each spring, thousands of high school students compete for limited positions in eight NYSSMA All-State ensembles: vocal jazz, instrumental jazz ensemble, wind ensemble, string orchestra, treble chorus, mixed chorus, symphonic band, and symphony orchestra. Participation requires a perfect score on a Level VI NYSSMA solo. Judges create a proficiency list of competing students at each festival before inviting top performers to the All-State Conference. Those chosen will perform with some of the most recognized conductors in the country.