Sleepy Hollow Band Students Perform During Prestigious Events

Sleepy Hollow Middle School and Sleepy Hollow High School are home to a handful of young musicians who recently displayed their passion for music. Some students had the opportunity to perform in the New York State Band Directors' Association (NYSBDA), while others took part in the Westchester County School Music Association (WCSMA) All-County Jazz Band.

NYSBDA held its annual Symposium in Syracuse in early March. Central to the Symposium are the three statewide honor bands, which include the Middle School Concert Band, the High School Concert Band, and the High School Honor Jazz Ensemble. The Sleepy Hollow students were selected from a pool of candidates throughout the state and were accepted into the ensemble based on their resume, work samples, and teacher recommendations. This year throughout the state, more than 500 students applied to be in the High School Concert Band, while more than 250 students applied for the Middle School Concert Band.

Eighth-grade students Matias Huertas, who plays the alto saxophone and Matthew Bartoloccai, who plays the euphonium were selected for the Middle School Concert Band. High School senior Nina Lyppens, who plays the flute, was selected for the High School Concert Band. This is Nina’s third consecutive year being chosen.

“They had a unique opportunity to be a part of something special. Just seeing them up on the stage was really amazing,” said Austin Day, Band and Music Technology teacher at Sleepy Hollow Middle and High School. “The students could feel the energy, they were so electric after their performances. I’ve had a chance to see them grow over the years and to see them get to this level.”

WCSMA assembled two Jazz Ensembles composed of High School students throughout Westchester County. This year, sophomores Nico Mayor, who plays drums, and Henry Scheller, who plays bass, were selected to perform with the group. The students performed an impressive set of challenging and diverse music at the WCSMA All-County Jazz Concert on Friday, March 15.

“Acceptance into the all-county Jazz groups is determined by audition. Only two students are selected for the drum chair and bass chair,” said Mr. Day. “For Henry and Nico to earn these chairs as sophomores, it’s an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to their ability, practice, and love for making music.”

Mr. Day went on to describe the culture of music at Sleepy Hollow as inspiring. “You see their talent, and it creates a template for other students to follow. It does a lot to elevate the entire program. It really pushes the other students to work harder. I want to say thank you to those students. I'm really proud of them.”