8 Port Washington Kids Earn State's Highest Music Honor

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Eight music phenoms in Port Washington were among 800 students across the state chosen to participate in the annual All-State Music Festival, the highest honor a school musician can achieve. Two selectees and six alternates were named were chosen from Paul D. Schreiber High School and will play in Rochester, New York in December.

They were chosen based on a rigorous audition process that involved more than 6,000 students throughout the state. The annual festival is sponsored by the New York State School Music Association.

"This prestigious event brings together the finest musicians from across New York State," Michael Hynes, superintendent of the Port Washington Union Free School District, said in a news release. "It's a direct reflection of our students' hard work and dedication, as well as our staff’s commitment to excellence."

Here are the Schreiber selections:

Selectees

• Lily Dell, Voice, Treble Choir;
• Ian Miller, Voice, Mixed Chorus

Alternates

• Daniel Chen, Violin
• Casey Fanous, Voice
• Tiffany Guo, Viola
• Stacey Kim, Violin
• Gavin Shaub, Vocal Jazz
• Caleb Thomas, Jazz Drum Set

Kevin Scully, director of creative arts at the disrict, praised the students for their diligence, persistence, and attention to detail.

"We are grateful for our district administration and our community's continued support of the arts in Port Washington," he said. "Congratulations to all of these students for their accomplishment and to their teachers for their dedication, support, and guidance."