Honors Bands Recognition Page
2024 Senior High All-County Band
Olivia Ray - Piccolo/Flute 1
William Muthig - Flute 1
Grayce Harvey - Clarinet 1
Gabriella Schrader - Clarinet 1
Matthew Lape - Tenor Saxophone
Emma Canelo - Baritone Saxophone
Olivia Broadbent - Trumpet 1
Mya Johnson - Trumpet 1
Alexa McManus - Trombone 1
Dominic Lekki - Baritone
Blake Reese - Tuba
Gregory Lekki - Tuba
2024 Elementary All-County Band
Wesley Balash - Clarinet
Natalie Morgan - Clarinet
Brody Willson - Alto Saxophone
Anthony Bienkowski - Alto Saxophone
Brennan Lamphere - Trumpet
Kacen Farber - Trombone
Blake Dougherty - Trombone
Karina Parkhomchuk - Percussion
Annalee Skwara - Percussion
STUDENTS SELECTED TO ATTEND AREA-ALL STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Each year, thousands of students all over New York State prepare a solo on their respective instrument to play for an adjudicator for a rating. When students reach high school age, they begin preparing more difficult solos - those that are considered a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Level V or Level VI. From the students who prepare these challenging solos, students are asked to submit their ratings for review to be chosen to play in a Zone (approximately 3-5 county area) Festival with some of the best players from that area. This year, West Canada Valley's instrumental program had nine students chosen to participate in the prestigious festival held at SUNY Oneonta on November 18th and 19th. The following students are to be recognized and commended for this great achievement!
Olivia Ray - Piccolo
William Muthig - Flute 2
Madelyn Allen - Flute 2
Grayce Harvey - Clarinet 1
Olivia Broadbent - Trumpet 3
Dominic Lekki - Baritone
Gregory Lekki - Tuba Alternate
2023 Junior High All-County Band
Teegan Harvey – Flute
Charlotte Allen – Flute
Paige Morgan – Flute
Cuyler Colony – Clarinet
Liliana McCann – Alto Saxophone
Isabella Schrader – Trumpet
Glenn Broadbent – French Horn
Jordan Salvagni – Percussion
2023 NYSSMA SOLOFEST PARTICIPANTS
William Muthig, flute - Level VI A
Olivia Ray, flute - Level VI A-
Madelyn Allen, flute - Level VI A-
Grayce Harvey, clarinet - Level VI A
Olivia Broadbent, trumpet - Level V A
Dominic Lekki, baritone - Level V A
Agafya Karyagina, alto saxophone - Level IV Excellent
Gregory Lekki, tuba - Level IV Excellent
Teegan Harvey, flute - Level III Excellent
Charlotte Allen, flute - Level III Excellent
Paige Morgan, flute - Level II Outstanding
Amelia Lekki, clarinet - Level II Outstanding
Madison Fagan, clarinet - Level I Outstanding PERFECT SCORE
The following students prepared solos, but were unable to attend:
Margaret Jones, alto saxophone - Level VI
Brook Helmer, flute - Level V
Evelyn Russett, flute - Level V
Kaylee Usyk, flute - Level IV
Emma Canelo, baritone saxophone - Level IV
Cuyler Colony, clarinet - Level II
2023 High School All-County Band
Olivia Ray - Piccolo/Flute 1
Julie Kichuk - Flute 1
Madelyn Allen - Flute 1
Rebecca Elwood - Clarinet 1
Grayce Harvey - Clarinet 1
Gabriella Schrader - Clarinet 2
Erin Scanlon - Clarinet 2
Aurora Davis - Clarinet 3
Emma Canelo - Baritone Saxophone
John Tolpa - Trumpet 2
Alexa McManus - Trombone 1
Dominic Lekki - Baritone
Blake Reese - Tuba
Gregory Lekki - Tuba
2023 Elementary All-County Band
Olivia Bell - Flute
Carina Ostapuk - Flute
Keira Cornacchia - Clarinet
Emma Baker - Clarinet
Liliana McCann - Alto Saxophone
Corbin Jones - Trombone
Tucker Hopsicker - Percussion
2023 Junior High All-County Band
Ash Muthig – Flute
Brook Helmer – Flute
Kaylee Usyk – Flute
Teegan Harvey – Flute
Brianna Muthig – Clarinet
Amelia Lekki – Clarinet
Cuyler Colony – Clarinet
Natalie Shubich – Clarinet
Caleb Grabowski – Tenor Saxophone
Glenn Broadbent – French Horn
Olivia Broadbent – Trumpet
Isabella Schrader – Trumpet
Jordan Salvagni - Percussion
STUDENTS SELECTED TO ATTEND AREA-ALL STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Each year, thousands of students all over New York State prepare a solo on their respective instrument to play for an adjudicator for a rating. When students reach high school age, they begin preparing more difficult solos - those that are considered a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Level V or Level VI. From the students who prepare these challenging solos, students are asked to submit their ratings for review to be chosen to play in a Zone (approximately 3-5 county area) Festival with some of the best players from that area. This year, West Canada Valley's instrumental program had nine students chosen to participate in the prestigious festival held at SUNY Oneonta on November 18th and 19th. The following students are to be recognized and commended for this great achievement!
Julie Kichuk - Flute 1
Madelyn Allen - Flute 1
Olivia Ray - Flute 2
Rebecca Elwood - Clarinet 1
Grayce Harvey - Clarinet 2
Dominic Lekki - Baritone
Gregory Lekki - Tuba
2022 NYSSMA SOLOFEST PARTICIPANTS
Madilyn Connor, flute - Level VI A+ PERFECT SCORE
Rebecca Elwood, clarinet - Level VI A+
Julie Kichuk, flute - Level VI A
Olivia Ray, flute - Level V A
Madelyn Allen, flute - Level V A
Grayce Harvey, clarinet - Level V A
Dominic Lekki, baritone - Level IV Outstanding PERFECT SCORE
William Muthig, flute - Level IV Outstanding
Evelyn Russett, flute - Level IV Excellent
Gregory Lekki, tuba - Level IV Excellent
Brook Helmer, flute - Level III Outstanding
Olivia Broadbent, trumpet - Level III Outstanding
Emma Canelo, baritone saxophone - Level III Excellent
Aruna Pellani, oboe - Level II Outstanding
Kaylee Usyk, flute - Level II (Comments)
Teegan Harvey, flute - Level 1 Outstanding
Amelia Lekki, clarinet - Level 1 Outstanding
The following students prepared solos, but were unable to attend:
Margaret Jones, alto saxophone - Level VI
Gabriella Schrader, clarinet - Level V
Victoria Ostapuk, flute - Level V
McKenna Maxwell, clarinet - Level II
2022 Senior High All-County Band
Madilyn Connor - Flute/Piccolo (Principal)
Renee' Jenkins - Flute
Julie Kichuk - Flute
Madelyn Allen - Flute
Lydia Reimer - Clarinet (Principal)
Jordyn Kuzontkoski - Clarinet
Rebecca Elwood - Clarinet
Erin Scanlon - Clarinet
Aurora Davis - Clarinet
Jenavieve Lyon - Alto Saxophone (Principal)
Sydney Kinsella - Alto Saxophone
Maya Farber - Tenor Saxophone (Principal)
Alexa McManus - Trombone
Blake Reese - Tuba
2022 Junior High All-County Band
Analyce Grabowski – Flute
Olivia Ray – Flute
Grayce Harvey – Clarinet
Audrah Lyon-Saunders – Clarinet
Matthew Lape – Tenor Saxophone
Emma Canelo – Baritone Saxophone
Olivia Broadbent – Trumpet
Dominic Lekki – Baritone
Jack Stewart – Trombone
Gregory Lekki – Tuba
MADILYN CONNOR (FLUTE - GRADE 12) SELECTED FOR CONFERENCE ALL-STATE
Each year in late August approximately 900 students are notified that they are selected to participate in the NYSSMA Conference All-State music groups. How does NYSSMA select these students? This seems like a simple question however the answer is complex. This article outlines the “process” used by our organization in selecting students for participation in the NYSSMA All-State performance groups.
The All-State experience begins with a music educator, his or her student and an accompanist spending countless hours preparing a NYSSMA Level VI solo which must be selected from repertoire lists in the current manual. Last spring, over 6,500 sophomores and juniors from across the state of New York prepared for All-State evaluations in the hope of being selected. New York State is divided into 15 regional zones by NYSSMA. These zones represent geographic areas within the state and also take into account the student populations within these zones. Last year, 43 All-State audition sites were scheduled in schools throughout the state. The All-State selection “process” begins with the solo being evaluated by a NYSSMA Certified All-State adjudicator at one of these designated sites. All-State adjudicators are responsible for evaluating every All-State solo of the same instrument or voice part. At the conclusion of the festival, the All-State adjudicators create a rank ordered proficiency list of all students being recommended. Every student who earns a score of 98-100 must be recommended. The “process” continues with the adjudicator ranking every recommended student by score first, with the 100’s ahead of the 99’s etc. If there are multiple students with the same qualifying score, the adjudicator must list those students in a proficiency order based on his or her evaluation of all performances. This year over 2400 students received scores of 98 or higher and were recommended for All-State consideration. At the end of the festival the All-State adjudicator gives their completed paperwork to the NYSSMA Zone Representative who then matches the adjudication sheet with the student’s completed application form and forwards them, along with the proficiency sheet to the appropriate All-State Chairperson.
Late in June, the “process” continues when selection committees are convened. The committees are made up of NYSSMA members from virtually every zone in the state. These committee members are charged with the monumental task of sorting through the proficiency lists from every festival and compiling a statewide master proficiency list for each instrument and voice part. Numerical scores and ranking on the local proficiency sheet are of primary importance in developing the master proficiency lists. After all recommended candidates are sorted numerically, a number of other factors are used in determining the final placement of students on the master proficiency list. The All-State Selection Committee reviews (in no specific priority): member school music teacher recommendations, adjudicator recommendations, the candidate’s previous NYSSMA Solo ratings, grade in school, zone representation, participation in the previous year’s All-State, and participation in other performing organizations. In the process of developing the master proficiency list, no qualified candidate on a local proficiency list may be passed over for another student on that list. In addition, committee members are instructed that all music literature from the NYSSMA Manual Level VI repertoire lists must be given equal consideration in the candidate selection process.
Occasionally, candidates are disqualified for All-State consideration. Disqualifications may occur when a music teacher does not recommend the student, application forms are incomplete or missing, or the candidate has violated any of the NYSSMA Rules and Regulations concerning the audition procedures including the requirement that all applicants must be a participating member of his or her corresponding school music organization at the time of the audition and at the time of the applicant’s membership in the Conference All-State organization.
After the master proficiency list has been established for each instrument and voice part, the “process” continues with each successful candidate assigned to positions in one of the eight All-State performing ensembles. Care is taken not to place a student in the same ensemble for two consecutive years. In cases where a candidate is selected for more than one ensemble, acceptance letters are sent for each group and the choice of ensemble is given to the student. After all selected students have been placed within the eight performing ensembles, an appropriately sized list of alternates is selected from the master proficiency list for each instrument and voice part. There are often more candidates with scores of 100 than can be accommodated by the limited size of the All-State groups, however every student receiving a score of 100 is guaranteed alternate status.
In late August, all selected students and alternates are notified by mail and asked to return acceptance forms. Music and instructions from the All-State Chairs and conductors are mailed to the successful candidates on October 15. Students are expected to prepare their All-State music with as much care and attention to detail as was given in preparation for their audition the previous spring.
A successful All-State experience depends on a number of factors: talented and well prepared soloists; careful attention and utilization of the NYSSMA Manual; tireless efforts of the All-State Chairs and Assistant Chairs; an exceptionally experienced, dedicated and responsible team of NYSSMA Chaperones; the finest conductors available; music that is of the highest quality; and almost 900 All-State Musicians who are thoroughly prepared to have an experience of a lifetime!
STUDENTS SELECTED TO ATTEND AREA-ALL STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Each year, thousands of students all over New York State prepare a solo on their respective instrument to play for an adjudicator for a rating. When students reach high school age, they begin preparing more difficult solos - those that are considered a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Level V or Level VI. From the students who prepare these challenging solos, students are asked to submit their ratings for review to be chosen to play in a Zone (approximately 3-5 county area) Festival with some of the best players from that area. This year, West Canada Valley's instrumental program had nine students chosen to participate in the prestigious festival held at SUNY Oneonta on November 18th and 19th. The following students are to be recognized and commended for this great achievement!
Madilyn Connor - Piccolo/Flute 1
Renee' Jenkins - Flute 1
Lydia Reimer - Clarinet 1
Jordyn Kuzontkoski - Clarinet 1
Rebecca Elwood - Clarinet 2
Sydney Kinsella - Alto Saxophone
Jenavieve Lyon - Alto Saxophone
Maya Farber - Tenor Saxophone
2021 NYSSMA SOLOFEST PARTICIPANTS
Madilyn Connor, piccolo - Level VI All-State A+
Madilyn Connor, flute - Level VI All-State A+ PERFECT SCORE
Renee' Jenkins, flute - Level VI A
Lydia Reimer, clarinet - Level VI All-State A+
Jordyn Kuzontkoski, clarinet - Level VI (prepared)
Sydney Kinsella, alto saxophone - Level VI A-
Jenavieve Lyon, alto saxophone - Level VI (prepared)
Rebecca Elwood, clarinet - Level V A-
Margaret Jones, alto saxophone - Level V A
Maya Farber, tenor saxophone - Level V A
Julie Kichuk, flute - Level IV Outstanding
Victoria Ostapuk, flute - Level IV Outstanding
Kiersten Usyk, flute - Level IV Excellent
Analyce Grabowski, flute - Level IV (Comments)
Olivia Ray, flute - Level IV (Comments)
Grayce Harvey, clarinet - Level IV Excellent
Madelyn Allen, flute - Level III Excellent
Hanna Burdick, trumpet - Level III Outstanding
Joshua Conover, snare drum - Level III Excellent
Emma Canelo, flute - Level II (Comments)
Brooke Helmer, flute - Level I (prepared)
Olivia Broadbent, trumpet - Level I Outstanding
WINNER: B-Sharp Music Scholarship Audition
Madilyn Connor, flutist, was chosen as the 2021 winner of the B Sharp Scholarship in the area of Brass/Woodwind/Percussion performance. To compete for the scholarship, Madilyn had to prepare two musical works of contrasting styles and time periods. The two works she prepared were The Carnival of Venice by Briccialdi and Bach’s Sonata in E Major, both of which are college level repertoire. Madilyn was adjudicated by an esteemed judge from a music university against other students in grades 9-12 from Oneida, Madison and Herkimer Counties. The scholarship she was given was in the amount of $600. As part of her scholarship, Madilyn performed in a winner’s recital on Sunday, May 23rd at 3pm at Munson-Williams, she was accompanied by Mr. John Krause. The WCV Music Program congratulates Madilyn on a job well done!
New York State Band Directors Assocation (NYSBDA)
HONORS BAND
The NYSBDA Honors Bands consist of students from all over New York State and acceptance is based on the score that a student receives at the New York State School Music Association Solo Festival (NYSSMA) the previous year.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Each year hundreds of students participate in NYSSMA Solo Festival with the hope of achieving a perfect score that will secure their way into one of the Conference All-State Ensembles. The NYSBDA High School Honors Concert Band was formed with the sole interest of taking the students who have scored a 98, 99, or 100 on their Level VI solo, but did not make into Conference All-State. This year West Canada Valley's MADILYN CONNOR and LYDIA REIMER (juniors) were chosen to participate in this ensemble. In 2019, Madilyn received a 99 on her Level VI flute solo as a freshman and Lydia received a 95 her Level VI clarinet solo as a fresman - Level VI is college level literature. Lydia and Madilyn both study with Mrs. Bonney.
The High School Festival took place virtually in March. Students attended online rehearsals, master classes, and submitted a video that was included in a virtual concert.
STUDENTS SELECTED TO ATTEND AREA-ALL STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Each year, thousands of students all over New York State prepare a solo on their respective instrument to play for an adjudicator for a rating. When students reach high school age, they begin preparing more difficult solos - those that are considered a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Level V or Level VI. From the students who prepare these challenging solos, students are asked to submit their ratings for review to be chosen to play in a Zone (approximately 3-5 county area) Festival with some of the best players from that area. This year, West Canada Valley's instrumental program had nine students chosen to participate in the prestigious festival held at SUNY Oneonta on November 18th and 19th. The following students are to be recognized and commended for this great achievement!
Madilyn Connor - Piccolo/Flute 1
Iris Pellani - Flute 1
Renee' Jenkins - Flute 1
Summer Hoover - Flute 1
Jenna DeSantis - Flute 1
Lydia Reimer - Clarinet 1
Jordyn Kuzontkoski - Clarinet 1
Rebecca Elwood - Clarinet 2
Catherine Christensen - Alto Saxophone 1
Jenavieve Lyon - Alto Saxophone 2
Maya Farber - Tenor Saxophone
Kadence Gage - Trumpet 1
2020 HIGH SCHOOL ALL-COUNTY BAND
Madilyn Connor – Piccolo/Flute 1
Iris Pellani – Flute 1
Renee’ Jenkins – Flute 1
Summer Hoover – Flute 1
Jenna DeSantis – Flute 1
Lydia Reimer – Clarinet 1
Jordyn Kuzontkoski – Clarinet 1
Morgan Warney – Bass Clarinet
Catherine Christensen – Alto Sax 1
Jenavieve Lyon – Alto Sax 1
Sydney Kinsella – Alto Sax 2
Maya Farber – Tenor Sax
Kadence Gage – Trumpet 1
Maggie Burdick - Euphonium
The festival will be held on March 20th & 21st at Richfield Springs. The concert is at 3:00pm on the 21st. Please come and support your fellow students!
New York State Band Directors Assocation (NYSBDA)
HONORS BANDS
The NYSBDA Honors Bands consist of students from all over New York State and acceptance is based on the score that a student receives at the New York State School Music Association Solo Festival (NYSSMA) the previous year.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Each year hundreds of students participate in NYSSMA Solo Festival with the hope of achieving a perfect score that will secure their way into one of the Conference All-State Ensembles. The NYSBDA High School Honors Concert Band was formed with the sole interest of taking the students who have scored a 98, 99, or 100 on their Level VI solo, but did not make into Conference All-State. This year West Canada Valley's KADENCE GAGE (sophomore) was chosen to participate in this ensemble. Last year, Kadence received a 99/A+ on her trumpet solo. Kadence studies with Mr. Bonney.
The High School Festival will take place from Friday, March 6th – Sunday, March 8th. Students will attend rehearsals and clinics at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool. The concert is on Sunday, March 8th.
2019 JUNIOR HIGH ALL-COUNTY BAND
Kiersten Usyk – Flute
McKenzie Schuster – Flute
Rebecca Elwood – Clarinet
Gabby Schrader – Clarinet
Erin Scanlon – Clarinet
Aurora Davis – Clarinet
Reese Fellows – Tenor Saxophone
Hanna Burdick – Trumpet
Jenna Beam – Trumpet
Ben Conover – Trombone
Alexa McManus – Trombone
Blake Reese – Tuba
Josh Conover - Percussion
STUDENTS SELECTED TO ATTEND AREA-ALL STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Each year, thousands of students all over New York State prepare a solo on their respective instrument to play for an adjudicator for a rating. When students reach high school age, they begin preparing more difficult solos - those that are considered a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Level V or Level VI. From the students who prepare these challenging solos, students are asked to submit their ratings for review to be chosen to play in a Zone (approximately 3-5 county area) Festival with some of the best players from that area. This year, West Canada Valley's instrumental program had nine students chosen to participate in the prestigious festival held at SUNY Oneonta on November 18th and 19th. The following students are to be recognized and commended for this great achievement!
Madilyn Connor - Piccolo/Flute 1
Iris Pellani - Flute 1
Renee' Jenkins - Flute 1
Summer Hoover - Flute 2
Jenna DeSantis - Flute 2
Lydia Reimer - Clarinet 1
Jordyn Kuzontkoski - Clarinet 1
Catherine Christensen - Alto Saxophone 2
Kadence Gage - Trumpet 1
2019 NYSSMA SOLOFEST PARTICIPANTS
Madilyn Connor, piccolo - Level VI A+
Iris Pellani, piccolo - Level VI (Comments)
Madilyn Connor, flute - Level VI A+
Iris Pellani, flute - Level VI A+
Renee' Jenkins, flute - Level VI A+
Summer Hoover, flute - Level VI A
Jenna DeSantis, flute - Level VI A
Lydia Reimer, clarinet - Level VI A
Jordyn Kuzontkoski, clarinet - Level VI A
Catherine Christensen, alto saxophone - Level VI A-
Kadence Gage, trumpet - Level VI A+
Jordan Kohn, clarinet - Level V (Comments)
Jenavieve Lyon, alto saxophone - Level V A
Rebecca Elwood, clarinet - Level IV Excellent
Morgan Warney, bass clarinet - Level IV Excellent
Sydney Kinsella, alto saxophone - Level IV Excellent
Faith Stewart, alto saxophone - Level IV Excellent
Tanner Brennan, snare drum - Level IV Excellent
Shannon Rider, flute - Level III Excellent
Kiersten Usyk, flute - Level III Excellent
Margaret Jones, alto saxophone - Level III Excellent
Julie Kichuk, flute - Level II Outstanding
Evelyn Russett, flute - Level II Excellent
McKenzie Schuster - Level II Outstanding
Erin Scanlon - Level II Excellent
Emma Canelo - Level I Outstanding
Olivia Ray, flute - Level I Outstanding
Grayce Harvey, clarinet - Level I Outstanding
2019 SENIOR HIGH ALL-COUNTY BAND
Iris Pellani - Flute
Jenna DeSantis - Flute
Summer Hoover - Flute
Jacqualynn Bender - Flute
Jessica Lindsay - Flute
Samantha Raymo - Clarinet
Morgan Warney - Bass Clarinet
Catherine Christensen - Alto Saxophone
Caeli Campbell - Trumpet
Tom Tolpa - Trumpet
Connor Lynch - Trombone
Maggie Burdick - Euphonium
Kaylin Gee - Percussion
Logan Steates - Percussion
Trinity Randt - Percussion
2019 ELEMENTARY ALL-COUNTY BAND
Emma Canelo - Flute
Olivia Ray - Flute
Grayce Harvey - Clarinet
Audrah Lyon-Saunders - Clarinet
John Tolpa - Trumpet
Jackson King - Trumpet
Curnin Wallace-Eaton - Trumpet
Nate Cornacchia - Baritone
Dominic Lekki - Baritone
Gregory Lekki - Tuba
Scott Coffin - Percussion
2018 JUNIOR HIGH ALL-COUNTY BAND
Renee’ Jenkins – Flute
Kiersten Usyk – Flute
Jordyn Kuzontkoski – Clarinet
Alina Kichuk – Clarinet
Audrey Campbell – Clarinet
Rebecca Elwood – Clarinet
Gabriella Schrader – Clarinet
Erin Scanlon – Clarinet
Jenavieve Lyon – Alto Saxophone
Maya Farber – Tenor Saxophone
Kadence Gage - Trumpet
Ben Conover – Trombone
Blake Reese – Tuba
STUDENTS SELECTED TO ATTEND AREA-ALL STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Each year, thousands of students all over New York State prepare a solo on their respective instrument to play for an adjudicator for a rating. When students reach high school age, they begin preparing more difficult solos - those that are considered a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Level V or Level VI. From the students who prepare these challenging solos, students are asked to submit their ratings for review to be chosen to play in a Zone (approximately 3-5 county area) Festival with some of the best players from that area. This year, West Canada Valley's instrumental program had eight students chosen to participate in the prestigious festival held at SUNY Oneonta on November 16th and 17th. The following students are to be recognized and commended for this great achievement!
Madilyn Connor - Flute 1
Iris Pellani - Flute 1
Jenna DeSantis - Flute 2
Renee' Jenkins - Flute 2
Summer Hoover - Flute 2
Samantha Raymo - Clarinet 1
Lydia Reimer - Clarinet 2
Jordyn Kuzontkoski - Clarinet 2
Kadence Gage - Trumpet 3
Logan Steates - Percussion
Kaylin Gee - Percussion
Caeli Campbell - Trumpet Alternate
2018 NYSSMA SOLOFEST PARTICIPANTS
Jacqualynn Bender, flute - Level VI A-
Madilyn Connor, flute - Level VI A+
Madilyn Connor, piccolo - Level VI A+
Jenna DeSantis, flute - Level VI A
Kaylin Gee, snare drum - Level VI(All-State) A
Olivia Johnson, flute - Level VI A+
Iris Pellani, flute - Level VI A+
Samantha Raymo, clarinet - Level VI A
Logan Steates, snare drum - Level VI(All-State) A+
Devin Thomas, flute - Level VI A+
Caeli Campbell, trumpet - Level V A-
Kadence Gage, trumpet - Level V A
Summer Hoover, flute - Level V A
Renee' Jenkins, flute - Level V A
Jordyn Kuzontkoski, clarinet - Level V A
Lydia Reimer, clarinet - Level V A
Catherine Christensen, alto saxophone - Level IV Outstanding
Alina Kichuk, clarinet - Level IV Excellent
Jordan Kohn, clarinet - Level IV Excellent
Jenavieve Lyon, alto saxophone - Level IV Excellent
Morgan Warney, bass clarinet - Level IV Excellent
Tanner Brennan, percussion - Level III Excellent
Audrey Campbell, clarinet - Level III Excellent
Maya Farber, tenor saxophone - Level III Outstanding
Shannon Rider, flute - Level III Excellent
Faith Stewart, alto saxophone - Level III Excellent
Rebecca Elwood, clarinet - Level II Excellent
Jillian Houck, trumpet - Level II Excellent
Margaret Jones, alto saxophone - Level II Outstanding
Gabriella Schrader, clarinet - Level II Outstanding
Kiersten Usyk, flute - Level II Excellent
Payton Jackson, clarinet - Level I Outstanding
Tyler Reinhardt, alto saxophone - Level I Excellent
Evelyn Russett, flute - Level I Excellent
Erin Scanlon, clarinet - Level I Outstanding
McKenzie Schuster, flute - Level I Outstanding
2018 HIGH SCHOOL ALL-COUNTY BAND
Olivia Johnson - Piccolo
Devin Thomas - Flute
Jacqualynn Bender - Flute
Portia Camardello - Flute
Madison Greco - Clarinet
Samantha Raymo - Clarinet
Olivia McNeil - Alto Saxophone
Caeli Campbell - Trumpet
Aleeshea Tyson - Trombone
Kaylin Gee - Percussion
Logan Steates - Percussion
Jason Januario - Mallet Percussion
Trinity Randt - Mallet Percussion
2018 ELEMENTARY ALL-COUNTY BAND
McKenzie Schuster - Flute
Gabriella Schrader - Clarinet
Paige Lowell - Clarinet
Ava Fellows - Clarinet
Margaret Jones - Alto Saxophone
Iain Farber - Trumpet
Jace Bartlett - Trumpet
Alexa McManus - Trombone
Blake Reese - Tuba
Josh Conover - Percussion
New York State Band Directors Assocation (NYSBDA)
HONORS BANDS
The NYSBDA Honors Bands consist of students from all over New York State and acceptance is based on the score that a student receives at the New York State School Music Association Solo Festival (NYSSMA) the previous year.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Each year hundreds of students participate in NYSSMA Solo Festival with the hope of achieving a perfect score that will secure their way into one of the Conference All-State Ensembles. The NYSBDA High School Honors Concert Band was formed with the sole interest of taking the students who have scored a 98, 99, or 100 on their Level VI solo, but did not make into Conference All-State. This year West Canada Valley's KAYLIN GEE (Junior) was chosen to participate in this ensemble as the timpanist. Last year, Kaylin received a perfect 100 on her timpani solo. She was chosen as an alternate for Conference All-State and was chosen for the NYSBDA band, making her the fourth best timpanist in all of New York State. Kaylin studies with Mr. Bonney.
The High School Festival will take place from Friday, March 2nd – Sunday, March 4th. Students will attend rehearsals and clinics at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool. The concert is on Sunday, March 4th.
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
Out of almost 500 applicants in 7th and 8th grade, 72 students are chosen to participate in the only state-wide Middle School Honors Band. Many of these students will go on to achieve Conference All-State and All-Eastern honors. Two students from West Canada Valley were chosen for this honor. MADILYN CONNOR (8th Grade) was selected to perform on the flute. Madilyn received a 97 on a Level VI solo, this is a high school/college level solo – quite a feat for a then seventh grader, many high school students do not ever attain a score that high on a Level VI. LYDIA REIMER (8th Grade) was selected to perform on clarinet. Lydia receive a perfect 28 on her Level IV solo last year. No 8th grader has ever received a 28 on a Level IV in WCV history. Madilyn and Lydia study with Mrs. Bonney.
The Middle School Festival will take place from Friday, March 2nd – Saturday, March 3rd. Students will attend rehearsals and clinics at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool. The concert is on Saturday, March 3rd.
2017 JUNIOR HIGH ALL-COUNTY BAND
Madilyn Connor - Flute
Jenna DeSantis – Flute
Renee Jenkins – Flute
Lydia Reimer - Clarinet
Jordyn Kuzontkoski - Clarinet
Jordan Kohn - Clarinet
Morgan Warney – Bass Clarinet
Jenavieve Lyon – Alto Saxophone
Maya Farber - Tenor Saxophone
Kadence Gage – Trumpet
Jillian Houck – Trumpet
Maggie Burdick – Euphonium
STUDENTS SELECTED TO ATTEND AREA-ALL STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Each year, thousands of students all over New York State prepare a solo on their respective instrument to play for an adjudicator for a rating. When students reach high school age, they begin preparing more difficult solos - those that are considered a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Level V or Level VI. From the students who prepare these challenging solos, students are asked to submit their ratings for review to be chosen to play in a Zone (approximately 3-5 county area) Festival with some of the best players from that area. This year, West Canada Valley's instrumental program had eight students chosen to participate in the prestigious festival held at SUNY Oneonta on November 17th and 18th. The following students are to be recognized and commended for this great achievement!
Olivia Johnson - Piccolo
Devin Thomas - Flute 1 (Principal)
Madison Greco - Clarinet 3
Samantha Raymo - Clarinet 2
Olivia McNeil - Alto Saxophone 2
Caeli Campbell - Trumpet 3
Kaylin Gee - Timpani
Logan Steates - Percussion
KAYLIN GEE (TIMPANI - GRADE 11) SELECTED AS ALTERNATE FOR CONFERENCE ALL-STATE
Each year in late August approximately 900 students are notified that they are selected to participate in the NYSSMA Conference All-State music groups. How does NYSSMA select these students? This seems like a simple question however the answer is complex. This article outlines the “process” used by our organization in selecting students for participation in the NYSSMA All-State performance groups.
The All-State experience begins with a music educator, his or her student and an accompanist spending countless hours preparing a NYSSMA Level VI solo which must be selected from repertoire lists in the current manual. Last spring, over 6,500 sophomores and juniors from across the state of New York prepared for All-State evaluations in the hope of being selected. New York State is divided into 15 regional zones by NYSSMA. These zones represent geographic areas within the state and also take into account the student populations within these zones. Last year, 43 All-State audition sites were scheduled in schools throughout the state. The All-State selection “process” begins with the solo being evaluated by a NYSSMA Certified All-State adjudicator at one of these designated sites. All-State adjudicators are responsible for evaluating every All-State solo of the same instrument or voice part. At the conclusion of the festival, the All-State adjudicators create a rank ordered proficiency list of all students being recommended. Every student who earns a score of 98-100 must be recommended. The “process” continues with the adjudicator ranking every recommended student by score first, with the 100’s ahead of the 99’s etc. If there are multiple students with the same qualifying score, the adjudicator must list those students in a proficiency order based on his or her evaluation of all performances. This year over 2400 students received scores of 98 or higher and were recommended for All-State consideration. At the end of the festival the All-State adjudicator gives their completed paperwork to the NYSSMA Zone Representative who then matches the adjudication sheet with the student’s completed application form and forwards them, along with the proficiency sheet to the appropriate All-State Chairperson.
Late in June, the “process” continues when selection committees are convened. The committees are made up of NYSSMA members from virtually every zone in the state. These committee members are charged with the monumental task of sorting through the proficiency lists from every festival and compiling a statewide master proficiency list for each instrument and voice part. Numerical scores and ranking on the local proficiency sheet are of primary importance in developing the master proficiency lists. After all recommended candidates are sorted numerically, a number of other factors are used in determining the final placement of students on the master proficiency list. The All-State Selection Committee reviews (in no specific priority): member school music teacher recommendations, adjudicator recommendations, the candidate’s previous NYSSMA Solo ratings, grade in school, zone representation, participation in the previous year’s All-State, and participation in other performing organizations. In the process of developing the master proficiency list, no qualified candidate on a local proficiency list may be passed over for another student on that list. In addition, committee members are instructed that all music literature from the NYSSMA Manual Level VI repertoire lists must be given equal consideration in the candidate selection process.
Occasionally, candidates are disqualified for All-State consideration. Disqualifications may occur when a music teacher does not recommend the student, application forms are incomplete or missing, or the candidate has violated any of the NYSSMA Rules and Regulations concerning the audition procedures including the requirement that all applicants must be a participating member of his or her corresponding school music organization at the time of the audition and at the time of the applicant’s membership in the Conference All-State organization.
After the master proficiency list has been established for each instrument and voice part, the “process” continues with each successful candidate assigned to positions in one of the eight All-State performing ensembles. Care is taken not to place a student in the same ensemble for two consecutive years. In cases where a candidate is selected for more than one ensemble, acceptance letters are sent for each group and the choice of ensemble is given to the student. After all selected students have been placed within the eight performing ensembles, an appropriately sized list of alternates is selected from the master proficiency list for each instrument and voice part. There are often more candidates with scores of 100 than can be accommodated by the limited size of the All-State groups, however every student receiving a score of 100 is guaranteed alternate status.
In late August, all selected students and alternates are notified by mail and asked to return acceptance forms. Music and instructions from the All-State Chairs and conductors are mailed to the successful candidates on October 15. Students are expected to prepare their All-State music with as much care and attention to detail as was given in preparation for their audition the previous spring.
A successful All-State experience depends on a number of factors: talented and well prepared soloists; careful attention and utilization of the NYSSMA Manual; tireless efforts of the All-State Chairs and Assistant Chairs; an exceptionally experienced, dedicated and responsible team of NYSSMA Chaperones; the finest conductors available; music that is of the highest quality; and almost 900 All-State Musicians who are thoroughly prepared to have an experience of a lifetime!
2017 NYSSMA SOLOFEST PARTICIPANTS
Olivia Johnson, piccolo - Level VI A+
Olivia Johnson, flute - Conference All-State Level VI A
Devin Thomas, flute - Conference All-State Level VI A+
Madilyn Connor, flute - Level VI A+
Jacqualynn Bender, flute - Level VI A
Samantha Raymo, clarinet - Level VI A-
Olivia McNeil, alto saxophone - Level VI A
Kaylin Gee, timpani - Conference All-State Level VI A+
Iris Pellani, flute - Level V A+
Jenna DeSantis, flute - Level V A
Jessica Lindsay, flute - Level V A
Portia Camardello, flute - Level V A
Caeli Campbell, trumpet - Level V A
Lydia Reimer, clarinet - Level IV Outstanding
Jordan Kozontkoski, clarinet - Level IV Excellent
Jordan Kohn, clarinet - Level IV Excellent
Logan Steates, snare drum - Level IV Outstanding
Jenavieve Lyon, alto saxophone - Level III Outstanding
Catherine Christensen, alto saxophone - Level III Outstanding
Renee' Jenkins, flute - Level II Outstanding
Giavanna Nitti, flute - Level II Outstanding
Alina Kichuk, clarinet - Level II Outstanding
Morgan Warney, bass clarinet - Level II Outstanding
Kadence Gage, trumpet - Level II Outstanding
Shannon Rider, flute - Level I Outstanding
Jillian Houck, trumpet - Level I Outstanding
2017 SENIOR HIGH ALL-COUNTY BAND
Olivia Johnson - Piccolo/Flute
Devin Thomas - Flute
Shania Camardello - Clarinet
Samantha Raymo - Clarinet
Olivia Hull - Clarinet
Olivia McNeil - Alto Saxophone
Christopher Schultz - Alto Saxophone
Kaylin Gee - Percussion
Jason Januario - Percussion
2017 ELEMENTARY ALL-COUNTY BAND
Rebecca Elwood – Clarinet
Aurora Davis – Clarinet
Haily Keiser – Alto Saxophone
Reese Fellows - Tenor Saxophone
Alexandria Stewart – Trumpet
Michael Tubia – Horn
Benjamin Conover – Trombone
Alex Shubich - Percussion
STUDENTS SELECTED TO ATTEND AREA-ALL STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Each year, thousands of students all over New York State prepare a solo on their respective instrument to play for an adjudicator for a rating. When students reach high school age, they begin preparing more difficult solos - those that are considered a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Level V or Level VI. From the students who prepare these challenging solos, students are asked to submit their ratings for review to be chosen to play in a Zone (approximately 3-5 county area) Festival with some of the best players from that area. This year, West Canada Valley's instrumental program had six students chosen to participate in the prestigious festival held at SUNY Oneonta on November 18th and 19th. The following students are to be recognized and commended for this great achievement!
Olivia Johnson - Flute 1 (Principal)
Devin Thomas - Alternate
Shania Camardello - Clarinet 2
Madison Greco - Clarinet 2
Samantha Raymo - Clarinet 3
Olivia McNeil - Alto Saxophone 1
Bailey Chapin - Euphonium
Kaylin Gee - Timpani
2016 JUNIOR HIGH ALL-COUNTY BAND
Jessica Lindsay – Flute
Jenna DeSantis – Flute
Iris Pellani – Flute
Morgan Warney – Clarinet
Adia Clarke – Clarinet
Jenavieve Lyon – Alto Saxophone
Caeli Campbell – Trumpet
Eddie Ditata – Trumpet
Maggie Burdick – Trumpet
Logan Steates - Percussion
2016 NYSSMA SOLOFEST PARTICIPANTS
Nicole Hebert, flute - Level VI A+
Olivia Johnson, flute - Level VI A+
Devin Thomas, flute - Level VI A
Shania Camardello, clarinet - Level VI A-
Olivia McNeil, alto saxophone - Level VI A
Madison Greco, clarinet - Level V A
Samantha Raymo - Level V A
Kaylin Gee - Level V A-
Jacqualynn Bender, flute - Level IV Excellent
Portia Camardello, flute - Level IV Excellent
Toby DesJardins, tenor saxophone - Level IV Excellent
Jessica Lindsay, flute - Level IV Excellent
Iris Pellani, flute - Level IV Excellent
Caeli Campbell, trumpet - Level III Excellent
Jenna DeSantis, flute - Level III Excellent
Catherine Christensen, alto saxophone - Level II Outstanding
Madilyn Connor, flute - Level II Outstanding
Jenavieve Lyon, alto saxophone - Level II Outstanding
Adia Clarke, clarinet - Level I Outstanding
Renee Jenkins, flute - Level I Excellent
Alina Kichuk, clarinet - Level I Excellent
Jordyn Kuzontkosk, clarinet - Level I Outstanding
Lydia Reimer, clarinet - Level I Outstanding
Morgan Warney, clarinet - Level I Outstanding
2016 Senior High All-County Band
Nicole Hebert – Flute
Devin Thomas – Flute
Olivia Johnson – Flute
Hannah Bouchard – Clarinet
Madison Greco – Clarinet
Shania Camardello – Clarinet
Olivia Hull – Clarinet
Tazren Lilley – Bass Clarinet
Olivia McNeil – Alto Saxophone
Jenna Jouben - Baritone Saxophone
Ashley Bray – Trumpet
David Krouse – Trombone
Bailey Chapin – Euphonium
Parker Esty – Tuba
Sam Straney – Percussion
2016 Elementary All-County Band
Madilyn Connor - Flute
Renee Jenkins - Flute
Lydia Reimer - Clarinet
Jordyn Kuzontkoski - Clarinet
Alina Kichuk - Clarinet
Audrey Campbell - Clarinet
Jenavieve Lyon - Alto Saxophone
Kadence Gage - Trumpet
Jillian Houck - Trumpet
Derek Maxwell - Horn
Tyler Barnes - Trombone
Oren Valerio - Trombone
Will Smith - Percussion
NYSBDA HONORS CONCERT BAND
Each year hundreds of students participate in NYSSMA Solo Festival with the hope of achieving a perfect score that will secure their way into one of the Conference All-State Ensembles. The NYSBDA Honors Concert Band was formed with the sole interest of taking the students who have scored a 98, 99, or 100 on their Level VI solo, but did not make into Conference All-State. This year West Canada Valley's HANNAH BOUCHARD was chosen to participate in this ensemble on the Clarinet 1 part. Last year, Hannah scored a 98 on her Level VI All-State Solo. Congratulations, Hannah!
STUDENTS SELECTED TO ATTEND AREA-ALL STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Each year, thousands of students all over New York State prepare a solo on their respective instrument to play for an adjudicator for a rating. When students reach high school age, they begin preparing more difficult solos - those that are considered a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Level V or Level VI. From the students who prepare these challenging solos, students are asked to submit their ratings for review to be chosen to play in a Zone (approximately 3-5 county area) Festival with some of the best players from that area. This year, West Canada Valley's instrumental program had six students chosen to participate in the prestigious festival held at SUNY Oneonta on November 20th and 21st. The following students are to be recognized and commended for this great achievement!
Nicole Hebert - Flute 2
Devin Thomas - Flute 2
Hannah Bouchard - Clarinet 1 (Principal)
Madison Greco - Clarinet 2
Bailey Chapin - Euphonium
Samuel Straney - Timpani
2015 JUNIOR HIGH ALL-COUNTY BAND
Jacqualynn Bender - Flute
Portia Camardello - Flute
Sarah Esty - Flute
Samantha Raymo - Clarinet
Adia Clarke - Clarinet
Christopher Schultz - Alto Saxophone
Caeli Campbell - Trumpet
Maggie Burdick - Trumpet
Eddie Ditata - Trumpet
Ryan Soron - Horn
Kaylin Gee - Percussion
2015 NYSSMA SOLOFEST PARTICIPANTS
Hannah Bouchard, clarinet - Level VI Conference All-State A+
Devin Thomas, flute - Level VI A
Nicole Hebert, flute - Level VI A
Olivia Johnson, flute - Level VI A-
Samuel Straney, timpani - Level V A+
Bailey Chapin, euphonium - Level V B+
Olivia McNeil, alto saxophone - Level IV Outstanding
Madison Greco, clarinet - Level IV Outstanding
Kaylin Gee, snare drum - Level IV Excellent
Samantha Raymo, clarinet - Level IV Excellent
Jacqualynn Bender, flute - Level III Outstanding
Christopher Schultz, alto saxophone - Level III Excellent
Portia Camardello, flute - Level II Outstanding
Caeli Campbell, trumpet - Level II Outstanding
Sarah Esty, flute - Level II Outstanding
Rebecca Denslow, clarinet - Level II Excellent