Port Chester Senior Ben Reyes Wows In Area All-State Orchestra Debut

PORT CHESTER, NY — A talented young musician did more than just make his teachers, mentors, family and friends proud this month — he bathed an entire community in the warm glow of success in the spotlight.

Benjamin Reyes, a Port Chester High School senior and violinist, performed with the New York State School Music Association’s Area All-State orchestra ensemble at its 2022 festival concert on Nov. 5 at White Plains High School. He performed "Brook Green Suite" by Gustav Holst and "Downland Suite" by John Ireland.

The NYSSMA committee selects students for the ensembles from all over Westchester County based on recommendations from their music teachers and the scores they received on auditions at last spring’s NYSSMA Solo Evaluation Festival. Reyes, who received a score of 100 on his NYSSMA solo, was among the highest-scoring students at the festival to be invited to participate in the Area All-State music ensembles.

"Watching Ben thrive in a group of students that sound close to professional was an amazing experience," music teacher Melissa Neyer said. "All students in the group were prepared to give their all, and their blending of sounds was beautiful."

SEE ALSO: Port Chester HS Senior Honored With A Seat In The All-State Symphony