Massapequa Student Musicians Selected to Perform at National, State Conferences

Ten Massapequa High School student-musicians have been selected to represent the district at the national and state levels this fall.

The New York State School Music Association has accepted seven students for the All-State conference from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4 in Rochester.

Students Matthew Ferrugia (Tenor 1), Brian Ford (Tenor 2), Chloe Harrell (Alto 1) and Jacqueline McCreedy (Soprano 2) were chosen for the mixed chorus. Courtney Conkling (piccolo) will be a part of the symphony orchestra, Mackenzie Conkling (double bass) will play with the band and Matthew Mener (jazz tenor) will be a member of the instrumental jazz ensemble.

Over 6,500 students auditioned for this honor last spring at solo and ensemble festivals throughout the state.

Last month a total 890 students were selected for NYSSMA’s All-State music conference.

Three Massapequa students have performed their way into the National Association for Music Education’s 2016 All-National Honor Ensembles, setting a new musical milestone for the district.

Camryn Buonamassa (Alto 1), Frank Sacino (Tenor 2) and Luciana Vernola (Alto 2) will be among the 670 talented high-school music students from across the country to participate at a gala concert on Nov. 13 at the Gaylord Texan Resort Hotel and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

The three have previously earned spots in the NYSSMA All-State Chorus. They will participate in a choir of 350 students at the NAfME festival.

Dr. David Gaines, the district’s K-12 curriculum associate for music, stated that “these musicians are exceptionally talented and we are proud that their commitment and dedication to their music has raised the achievement bar to a new level in Massapequa.”

Congratulations to all the students!

Photo Captions:

1: Massapequa High School student-musicians, from left, Brian Ford, Matt Ferrugia, Mackenzie Conkling, Chloe Harrell, Courtney Conkling, Jacqueline McCreedy and Matthew Mener will participate in NYSSMA’s All-State music conference in December. They are joined by Principal Patrick DiClemente, left, and Curriculum Associate for Music Dr. David Gaines.
2: Mr. DiClemente and Dr. Gaines congratulated student-musicians Frank Sacino, Luciana Vernola, center, and Camryn Buonamassa for their selection to the National Association for Music Education’s 2016 All-National Honor Ensemble choir.

Photos courtesy of Massapequa School District