Kennedy Student Beatrice Brown Named to All-National Concert Band

Beatrice Brown, a senior at Bellmore’s John F. Kennedy High School, was recently selected to participate in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-National High School Concert Band.

Brown, who plays the flute, is the first student from Kennedy to be selected for the honor and the first instrumental student selected in the district’s history.

“I’m incredibly proud of her,” said Walter Avellaneda, the director of bands at Kennedy. “It’s a great accomplishment for the program to have such a talented student represent the school. Bea is one of the hardest working musicians here.”

Brown has performed at Carnegie Hall and was a member of the All-State ensemble last year. She also plays in the school’s wind ensemble, pit band, pep band and jazz band. Outside of school, Brown plays flute for the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, which is comprised of student musicians from all over Long Island.

As a result of the recognition, Brown will be performing with other selected students across the country at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 29.

NAfME is a large arts education organization that advocates for music education at the local, state and federal level. It provides resources for teachers, parents and administrators, including professional development and special events. The association has existed since 1907, ensuring that students have access to comprehensive and high-quality music instruction. Its resources have also been used in the development of the national standards for arts education.