Long Beach High School junior and cellist Claire Ezratty was accepted to the New York State Summer School of the Arts’ 2017 School of Orchestral Studies. According to the NYSSSA, approximately 90 of the finest public and private high school musicians in the state are selected to this prestigious program through auditions each year.

From July 23 to Aug. 19, Claire will partake in master classes with guest musicians and study with members of the nationally-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra. The program will be held at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs.

A three-time All-County musician and four-time Long Island String Festival Association performer, Claire has played the cello since the fourth-grade. She participates in the high school’s orchestra, chamber orchestra and pit orchestra, and additionally plays guitar in the jazz band.

Also a Metropolitan Youth Ensemble performer, Claire has brought her talents to the stages of venues such as Adelphi University, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. She traveled to China and Spain with the MYO in 2014 and 2016, respectively.

Claire is an officer for the Tri-M Music Honor Society and currently serves as Historian with plans to take the role of vice president for community service next year. She is passionate about music and plans to pursue a major in music education after graduating high school.