Bellmore-Merrick Musicians Named to NYSSMA All-State

Twelve students from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District were chosen to perform with NYSSMA All-State ensembles or serve as All-State alternates for the 78th Annual NYSSMA Winter Conference in December.

Students were selected based on their performances at the NYSSMA solo and ensemble festivals held throughout the state last year. 

Superintendent of Schools John DeTommaso said that he was proud of his students. 

“The arts are an integral component to any well-rounded education," he said. "These students have proven their dedication to their craft, carefully honing their talents with countless hours of practice, a feat that should be honored and recognized.” 

Representing Calhoun High School, Brendan Tucker was selected to play trumpet in the jazz band and Melissa Bianchi will perform as a soprano I in the women’s chorus. 

Serving as alternates will be: Dawn Meltzer, piccolo, symphonic band; Jeralayne Ruiz, soprano II, chorus; Celia Bittman, cellist, orchestra; and Brice Vadnais, trumpet, jazz band.

From Kennedy High School, Beatrice Brown was selected as a flutist for the wind ensemble, Gregory Mora will be playing double bass in the symphony orchestra and Mara Friedman will sing as an alto I in the mixed chorus.

Alternates include: Arielle Berkley for soprano II, David Glaser on jazz trumpet and Diana Herrera on clarinet. Mara will also serve as a jazz alto voice alternate.

The conference will take place in Rochester from Dec. 5 to 8.