STMEA’s All-County Band and Orchestra Festival took place at South Seneca High School on November 17th and 18th. Participating districts included Dryden, Groton, Ithaca, Lansing, Newfield, South Seneca, and Trumansburg. The students who were selected to attend this year's festival worked with guest conductors during the festival weekend and presented a concert on the afternoon of November 18th.
The High School Honor Band was guest conducted by Dr. Paula Holcomb of SUNY-Fredonia. The Middle School Honor Band was guest conducted by Mr. Steve Austin of North Salem Middle/High School. The Middle School Honor Orchestra was guest conducted by Dr. James Mick of Ithaca College. The High School Percussion students also performed in a percussion ensemble coached by Mr. Rick Eleck and Mr. David Turken.
The following students participated in the High School Honor Band: Tajade Amisano (Alto Saxophone, 11th), Ruth Dendis (French Horn, 11th), Kenneth Halsey (Percussion, 11th), Haley Parry (Clarinet, 12th), and Abigail Sherry (Percussion, 12th).
The following students participated in the Middle School Honor Band: Kennedy Basher (Oboe, 7th), Paul “Trey” Brock (Baritone Saxophone, 7th), Isabella Cotto (Trombone, 7th), Emery Erickson (Tenor Saxophone, 7th), Reese Holmberg (Alto Saxophone, 7th), Alice Huang (Bass Clarinet, 7th), Brooke Jennings (Trumpet, 8th), and Sophia Jennings (Clarinet, 7th).
South Seneca Grades 6-12 Band Director David Turken looked back on the weekend with nothing but good things to say about the experience, and looks forward to hosting again later this month.
“A special thanks goes out to the members of the South Seneca Music Department, Falcon Music Boosters, the South Seneca High School Cafeteria staff, and parent, staff, and student volunteers who helped make this event possible. These students all spent many hours after school hours preparing their music for their honors band rehearsals and performance,” Turken said.
South Seneca will also be hosting the STMEA All-County Choral Festival on January 19th and 20th.