Pictured from left to right; back row: Shannon Halloran, Chassidy George, Jason Martin, Colden Keller, Olivia Alvira, Kaylee Guzman. Front: Julie Ann Ketcher, Shianna Bish, Kyrsten Richardson.

ANGOLA – At the end of last year several high school and junior high students performed at the New York State School of Music Association (NYSSMA) Solo Festival. These students were adjudicated by experts on their particular instrument, and evaluated on their technique, hand positions, intonation, rhythmic accuracy, articulations, bowing styles, dynamic contrast, posture, breath support and tone qualities. Additionally, students had to perform memorized scales, and sight-read a new piece of music that they had never seen before.

Orchestra students, Jason Martin, Shianna Bish, and Julie Ann Ketcher, were accepted to the Senior High String Orchestra. Vocalists Olivia Alvira, Dylan Barrett, Kaylee Guzman, and Colden Keller were accepted to the Senior High Mixed Chorus. Senior Shannon Halloran was placed in the Senior High Treble Chorus. 9th Grade Students Sophia Dudziak and Kyrsten Richardson were accepted to the Junior High Treble Choir. Additionally, Mitchell McGarrity, Chassidy George, were accepted to the Senior High Band, and Molly Majewski in the Junior High Band.

The festivals for both Junior High and Senior High took place earlier this month. The Junior High competed at Akron High School, while the Senior High competed at SUNY Fredonia.