Allison Keane and Grayson Steigerwald, both 11th-grade students, were selected for the NYSSMA All-State Treble Chorus. Keane sang alto 2, and Steigerwald sang alto 1. Melody Guzman, an 11th-grade student, was selected for the NYSSMA All-State Mixed Chorus as a member of the alto 2 section. Jeremy Moriarty, also an 11th-grade student, was selected for the NYSSMA All-State Symphonic Band and performed in the French horn section. Ava Jimenez, a 12th-grade student, was selected for the NYSSMA All-State Wind Ensemble and performed in the oboe section. 

The four-day festival took place during the NYSSMA Winter Conference from Dec. 4 through Dec. 7 in Rochester, N.Y. After three days of rehearsals with high school juniors and seniors from across New York state, the festival concluded with a performance at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. 

Thousands of students auditioned for the honor last spring at NYSSMA All-State Solo Evaluation Festivals throughout the state. Students were selected from a pool of 11th- and 12th-grade musicians who performed a Level 6 All-State solo at a NYSSMA solo festival the previous spring. All-State selections were confirmed in September, and participating students were responsible for learning and preparing 30 to 40 minutes of college-level music prior to attending the December rehearsals. 

Keane, Steigerwald and Guzman prepared their music with high school chorus director Jessica Spitz. Jimenez and Moriarty prepared their music with high school band directors Vincent Ragona and Amy Schecher during in-school lessons and after-school sessions. 

“I met so many like-minded and hard-working people. I will cherish this experience for the rest of my life,” Jimenez said. 

Rocky Point parent Elizabeth Keane said the performance was memorable for both students and audience members. 

“The All-State concert was such a wonderful experience. The groups sounded professional, and everyone in the audience was deeply moved,” she said. “Rocky Point represented itself so well. Thank you to the Rocky Point Music Department and everyone who helped make this experience possible.” 

Spitz said the weekend highlighted the students’ dedication and professionalism. 

“Our students’ focus, attention to detail and camaraderie with musicians from across the state were evident throughout the entire experience,” she said. “It was truly an honor to support them during such an incredible opportunity.” 

In a statement, Rocky Point Music Department chairpersons Craig Knapp and Amy Schecher congratulated the students on their accomplishments. 

“Being named to a NYSSMA All-State ensemble is an achievement earned by only a small percentage of music students statewide,” the statement said. “These students are now part of an elite group of high school musicians from across New York. We are grateful for the dedication of our students, teachers and families, and we appreciate the continued support of the Rocky Point School District administration and Board of Education.”