Seven students from LHS have proven their expertise in the music community. Seniors Jack Ceglie, Gianna Longo, Liam Mylan, and Eric Reilly, along with juniors Brandon Haviken, Sophia Schoen, and Molly Schutzman, were accepted to the 2024 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Music Ensembles.
NYSSMA is one of the largest and most respected music education organizations in the U.S. Each year, thousands of students across New York audition for the All-State ensembles, competing in categories such as vocal performance, jazz, orchestra, and band. Students are judged on technical precision, musicality, and their ability to convey emotion through music. The selection process is rigorous, with only the top-performing students earning a coveted spot in one of the ensembles. For many, simply being selected to audition is an achievement; being accepted is a testament to exceptional talent and dedication.
Seniors Jack Ceglie and Gianna Longo have been selected to Mixed Chorus, outstanding vocal technique. These students were accepted after a rigorous audition process, where they were evaluated on their musical interpretation, sight-reading abilities, and tonal quality. For singers, being accepted into the Mixed Chorus is a milestone achievement that reflects both talent and dedication.
In addition, junior Sophia Schoen has been accepted into the Treble chorus, which is tailored specifically for high school sopranos and altos. Schoen will engage in intensive rehearsal periods under the guidance of a seasoned conductor who specializes in treble choir repertoire. Being a part of the All-State Treble Chorus highlights Schoen’s commitment to vocal excellence, providing her with the opportunity to grow, learn, and connect with others who share the same passion for music.
Liam Mylan and Molly Schutzman have been named alternates for their outstanding vocal performances. “It feels really great to be recognized as an All-State musician since I worked really hard and it made it all worth it,” Schutzman explained. Alternates go through the same demanding audition process as primary selections, where they are evaluated on vocal quality. “I practiced a lot over the weekends for months prior to the audition with my voice teacher and by myself as well, repeating the song and testing out different techniques and interpretations of the parts that I found difficult,” Schutzman said. “My voice teacher helped me the most throughout my preparation,” she added.
Two LHS students represent All-State band ensembles: Brandon Haviken (Symphonic Band) and Eric Reilly (Wind Ensemble). “The congratulations from people have felt really nice. It’s cool to have my hard work celebrated. For about two to three months, it was about half an hour to an hour [practice] every day,” Haviken remarked. The audition process for band ensembles is equally changing and competitive. Both Haviken and Reilly prepared solos, scales, and sight-reading pieces and were assessed on elements such as tone equality, technical accuracy, dynamics, and expressions. Brian White, Marion Street Elementary School’s band teacher and past LHS band teacher, commented on the students’ hard work: “Last school year, we worked all year on those solos. Both Brandon and Eric were working on those pieces from the beginning of the school year. In Eric’s case, he had been working on a piece that he played with his private teacher, and I think I got Brandon started [last] September. They both worked so hard, and it took their overall playing to another level.”
Being accepted to a NYSSMA All-State ensemble is a milestone that brings both recognition and inspiration. It is a defining moment in a young musician’s life which leaves a lasting mark on the student. “I couldn’t be more proud of the students. I know the diligence and focus that they put in those pieces…they deserve the accolades that they are getting for it,” White said.
