Farmingdale Students Selected For All State, All National Perform

From Zimmerman/Edelson, Inc.: Farmingdale School District students were recently selected by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) to participate in All State and All National performing groups. Eight outstanding students were handpicked by judges to perform in these elite groups and three students were selected as alternates.

In order to compete for this recognition, students prepared a musical piece to perform at the annual NYSSMA festival and receive a rating. NYSSMA levels range from 1-6 with level 6 being the most difficult. Many students begin this evaluation process in fifth or sixth grade. For each NYSSMA level, the music is more challenging and students are judged on every aspect of performance including tone quality, technique, musicianship, interpretation, musicality, dynamics and sight reading ability. When students reach 10th grade, they become eligible to compete for the All State and All National audition if they have achieved outstanding proficiency on level 6 music literature. In addition to the festival adjudicator’s recommendation to the state and national committees, students also need recommendations from their ensemble director, music administrator and high school principal in order to participate.

Receiving the nomination is an extremely high honor and marks the beginning of focused preparation. Students receive their music and must have it completely learned for the All National conference or the NYSSMA conference. They arrive at each conference and have intense rehearsals for three days with the culmination being the All State and All National concerts.

“Farmingdale High school is most proud of all of these students and their achievements. We wish them our very best and continue to learn, grow and enjoy this wonderful experience,” said Rose M. Marvel, Director of Fine Arts.

For more information about the Farmingdale School District, please visit the District’s website www.farmingdaleschools.org.