Long Beach High School is proud to announce that four outstanding student musicians have been selected to participate in the prestigious New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Ensembles.  Lisette Amey for Symphonic Band (Euphonium), Ronin Morita for Mixed Chorus (Vocal Bass 1), Ian Olivo for Symphonic Band (Trumpet) and Aaron Turbek for Symphony Orchestra (Clarinet).

This year also marks a special achievement for Ronin and Aaron, who were both selected to All-State for the second consecutive year.

The NYSSMA All-State selection process is among the most competitive opportunities for high school musicians in New York State. Students prepare a Level 6 solo the highest level of difficulty and are evaluated at NYSSMA festivals throughout the state. From more than 6,500 auditions statewide, approximately 600 students are selected for the All-State ensembles.

This year’s Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Dr. Régulo Stabilito, Director of Orchestras and Assistant Professor of Orchestra Studies and Conducting at the Hartt School, University of Hartford. The Symphonic Band will be led by Dr. Lindsay Bronnenkant Symphony Band Director at UMass Amherst, and the Mixed Chorus by Dr. Jason Tramm, Director of Choral and Orchestral Activities at Seton Hall University.

The four LBHS musicians will travel to Rochester in early December for the annual NYSSMA Winter Conference, where they will rehearse with outstanding student musicians from across New York State. The experience culminates with performances at the historic Eastman Theatre.

“Being selected for an All-State ensemble represents years of dedication, practice, and commitment to becoming an outstanding musician,” said Julia Lang Shapiro, Long Beach Director of Media, Visual & Performing Arts. “We are incredibly proud of Ronin, Aaron, Lisette, and Ian for earning this tremendous honor and for representing Long Beach at the highest level of music education in New York State. We also congratulate the many music teachers who have supported and inspired them throughout their musical journeys.”

Congratulations to the students and all their music teachers!