Eight William Floyd High School student-musicians have been selected as All-State musicians by the New York State Music School Association (NYSSMA) for the fall 2021, an honor reserved for the best high school musicians in New York State. Kellie Tang (piano) and Adam Resnik (clarinet), along with alternates Jenna Lecuit (violin), Ian Hua (flute), Christina Girardi (bassoon), Alaysia Cobb (voice), Emily DeMartino (voice) and Marisa Costanza (voice) have also been selected for their tremendous talents. The NYSSMA All-State Festival is scheduled for December 2-5 at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music Concert Hall.

At this year’s All-State Festival, Kellie Tang will perform in the piano showcase, a prestigious honor and the first for a William Floyd student in the district’s history. Kellie is just one 12 students selected out of 95 talented applicants from all across the state. She will perform the Beethoven Sonata No. 17, Mvt. 3 (The Tempest) in the Rochester Convention Center’s Lilac Ballroom. Adam Resnik will also have the opportunity to showcase his talents as a member of the symphonic band.

Each All-State candidate performed a solo for NYSSMA adjudication and received a 100/A+ score. This year, however, NYSSMA limited the number of students chosen due to COVID restrictions. Last year, the festival was held virtually.

Congratulations to the students and their teachers Dr. Amy Sckipp. Mr. Garry Helbock and Mrs. Barbara D’Orio!

“We are proud of their commitment to excellence in their musical performances,” said Dr. Sckipp, who credited the entire William Floyd Music Department for helping to shape these talented students through their years of music education in the district.

Each spring, thousands of high school students from across the state compete for a limited number of positions available in the 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 compile a proficiency list of competing students at each NYSSMA festival around the state before inviting the top students on the proficiency list to the All-State Conference. Students chosen for NYSSMA All-State performing groups will have the opportunity to perform with some of the most recognized conductors in the country.