West Islip 4th Grade Composer Chosen for Annual Showcase

Sophia Stehlik, a fourth-grader at West Islip’s Paul J. Bellew Elementary School, was recently chosen by the New York State School Music Association to have her original musical composition “The Circus Train” featured at the 20th annual NYSSMA Electronic Music Composition Showcase.

The program highlights superlative works by creative student composers of all ages from New York State, selected from a pool of submissions from schools participating in NYSSMA. The winning compositions, including Stehlik’s work, will be performed at the organization’s Winter Conference, held in Rochester in December.

“Bravo on this outstanding accomplishment,” said Eric Albinder, West Islip’s director of art and music education.

Photo by West Islip School District: Paul J. Bellew Elementary School Principal Rhonda Pratt, music teacher Victoria Kavitt, and Director of Art and Music Education Eric Albinder congratulated fourth-grader Sophia Stehlik for being selected to the NYSSMA Electronic Music Composition Showcase.