Herricks High School had eight students selected to perform at the 2023 Eastern Division Honors Festival that was held in Rochester, New York. The Herricks students who participated in the mid-April event were:

· Riddhe Ahluwalia for soprano

· Kristina Apostolatos for alto

· Franciscus Chang for the oboe and English horn

· Aaron Chu for violin

· Devon Lee for cello

· Dylan Lee for bass

· Jeylin Lee for viola

· Ethan Thway for bass clarinet

The event was sponsored by the National Association for Music Education and hosted by the New York State School Music Association. The Herricks students performed among the more than 200 students selected from school music programs across the state. Approximately 700 students were participants from schools across the East Coast. Students rehearsed and performed with renowned conductors including Dr. James Tapia of Syracuse University (All-Eastern Symphonic Band), Rachel Lauber of the Eastman Community Music School and University at Buffalo (All-Eastern Symphony Orchestra), Jason Max Ferdinand of the University of Maryland (All-Eastern Mixed Chorus), Brian Powell of Montclair State University, NJ (All-Eastern Modern Band), Dr. Kristina MacMullen of University of North Texas (All-Eastern Treble Chorus) and jazz tubist Bob Stewart conducting the All-Eastern Jazz Ensemble.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for our students,’’ said Director of Fine and Performing Arts Anissa Arnold. “Our students worked collaboratively with other young musicians from schools outside of New York and gained valuable experience by working with renowned master conductors concluding with stellar performances.”

NYSSMA, the New York State School Music Association, is the largest state affiliate of the National Association for Music Education. The Mission of the New York State School Music Association is to advance music education across New York State for its membership and students in member school programs.