Six Harborfields High School students have earned the highest music honor in the state – New York State School Music Association All-State designations. That list includes Breckyn Beechey (cello, Symphony Orchestra), Alexa Best (trombone, alternate, Instrumental Jazz Ensemble), Peter Hoss (tenor saxophone, Instrumental Jazz Ensemble; and oboe, Symphonic Band), Christopher Hummel (violin, Symphony Orchestra), Kam Johansen (trumpet, Instrumental Jazz Ensemble) and Ethan Rosenthal (snare drum, alternate, Band; and drum set, alternate, Instrumental Jazz Ensemble).
“I’'m so proud of these students and the work they’ve put in to reach this point,” K-12 Music Department Coordinator Dan Bilawsky said. “These selections are a reflection of their efforts and the fine music education they've received over the years.”
Harborfields stands out in having two students chosen for the All-State Instrumental Jazz Ensemble – the most select All-State group, with less than 20 members in total.
“I can’t say if that’s a first in the district’s history,” Bilawsky said, “but I can confirm that it’s the only time it’s happened in the past two decades.”
In addition to that highlight, Peter Hoss stands out as an individual with the incredibly unique distinction of being chosen for two different ensembles/disciplines on two different instruments. Since students in that position have to pick one, he selected tenor saxophone and jazz.
Harborfields’ All-State students will rehearse and perform with their ensembles in December at the NYSSMA Winter Conference in Rochester.
Date Added: 11/8/2022