NFA Main sends record 13 students to NYSSMA

The Newburgh Free Academy Music Department is sending 13 students to perform at area all-state for the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) this weekend. Thirteen students are the most students the district has had qualify in some time. Students have been taught by: Ms. Jillian Caci, Ms. Monica Antonelli-Guido, Dr. Paul Carroll, and Mr. Christopher Zoutis. Other schools participating in the zone are from Greene County, Ulster County, Sullivan County, Orange County, and Rockland County.

Being selected and performing at NYSSMA is both challenging and prestigious. Something to note, not all students are privately trained in addition to their instruction and lessons at NFA, which is a real acknowledgement of the strength of the music program throughout the district.

Students will be working with professional conductors, but they only have two days, so they are expected to come in knowing their notes, heir rhythms, and their music.

Students are recommended by their teachers, but a committee makes the final selection. Students must prepare and perform a solo at a Level 6. All state solo at Level 6 is highest level that public school student can go on. Spots with the highest scores are filled first and then selection continues to the next highest scores. Students have a rehearsal on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning with a performance scheduled for Saturday night.

Next week, Supriya Makam, a senior vocalist, soprano will fly to Florida to perform with the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Supriya is the first student to ever be accepted into Women’s National Chorus.

Students include:
Supriya Makam, a senior vocalist, soprano (Women’s Chorus)

Hayley Benedict, a junior vocalist, soprano (Women’s Chorus)

Spencer Conti, a junior vocalist, bass (Men’s Chorus)

Christiana Meah, a senior vocalist (Women’s Chorus)

Therese Fischer, a junior vocalist, soprano

Liz Riley, a senior vocalist, alto (Women’s Chorus)

Olivia Fava, a junior vocalist, alto (Women’s Chorus)

Abi Ho, a junior vocalist, alto (Women’s Chorus)

Jackson Galati, a senior vocalist, bass (Men’s Chorus)

Greg Fischer, a senior vocalist (Men’s Chorus)

Jeremy Kurtz, a sophomore, violin (Orchestra)

Lane Dingwell, a senior, trumpet (Band)

Rebecca Ferguson, a junior, bass trombone (Orchestra)

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!