The Middle Country Central School District announced that several of its talented student-musicians have been selected to perform in the prestigious New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Music Festival. Centereach High School senior Shawn Edbert and Newfield High School senior Thomas Lasher have earned spots in the NYSSMA All-State Symphonic Band, while Yohani Chen (flute/piccolo), Rowan Willis (voice), and Jillian Garcia (viola) from Centereach High School have been named alternates.
These outstanding musicians achieved the highest scores on the highest-level NYSSMA All-State Solos last spring, which earned them their coveted spots in the All-State Festival. Shawn will perform on French horn, and Thomas will perform on euphonium in the Symphonic Band. Yohani, Rowan, and Jillian will serve as alternates, with each representing the district at the highest level of music achievement.
This weekend, these exceptional students will have the unique opportunity to perform some of the finest music in the world under the baton of one of the greatest conductors at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester. The NYSSMA All-State Festival is a celebration of the finest student musicians from across New York State, and Middle Country is proud to have such talented representatives.
“We are thrilled to celebrate these students’ accomplishments,” said Dr. Roberta A. Gerold, Superintendent of the Middle Country Central School District. “Their dedication to music, combined with their hard work and passion, has led them to this remarkable achievement. We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to their music teachers— Mr. Sevian, Ms. Bush, Dr. Goldstein, Mr. Austin, Mr. Hough, and Ms. Wesnofske—for their outstanding guidance and support.”
The district congratulates Shawn Edbert, Thomas Lasher, Yohani Chen, Rowan Willis, and Jillian Garcia on their extraordinary achievements and wishes them the best as they perform at this prestigious event.