Locust Valley Musicians Bring Home Multiple Trophies After Festival Performance

Students earned multiple division titles and the festival's highest honor before celebrating at Six Flags New England.

By Melanie Gulbas, Patch Staff

Jun 4, 2026 3:42 pm EDT | Updated Jun 4, 2026 3:44 pm EDT

Locust Valley music students and teachers enjoyed the day at Six Flags New England after their successes at Music in the Parks. (Photos courtesy of the Locust Valley Central School District)

LOCUST VALLEY, NY — The Locust Valley High School music department students took the stage and earned multiple trophies at the Music in the Parks Festival.

The symphonic band and string orchestra both earned first place in their divisions, and the concert chorale earned second place.

The festival's highest honor, a Superior Rating, was awarded to all three groups. The showcase took place at Enfield High School, United Congregational Church of Holyoke and Holyoake High School, where students performed on stage for judges.

Afterwards, students headed to Six Flags New England to celebrate their hard-earned achievement with roller coasters and games.

Coordinator of Instruction Technology and the Fine and Applied Arts AnnMarie Buonaspina gave appreciation to the music faculty, especially Mr. Guerra, Mr. Fong, and Mrs. Blake, for their dedication and leadership.

"Bringing home top division honors and Superior Ratings in such a competitive environment is a testament to our students' hard work and passion," she said.

Locust Valley High School students Noah Mauldin and Jake Lamb accepted the Best Overall Band award on behalf of the school’s symphonic band. (Photos courtesy of the Locust Valley Central School District)

Locust Valley High School students Chris Emmerich, Grace Araoz and Ava Yagudayev accepted the second-place trophy for the concert chorale. (Photos courtesy of the Locust Valley Central School District)

The Locust Valley High School symphonic band won first place in its division and Best Overall Band at Music in the Parks. (Photos courtesy of the Locust Valley Central School District)