Sayville Student Musicians Earn Spots In Prestigious State, Long Island Ensembles

SAYVILLE, NY — Sayville Public Schools recognized several outstanding student musicians at the December Board of Education meeting, celebrating their selection into some of New York State’s most prestigious regional and statewide music ensembles.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc Ferris and the Board of Education congratulated the students for their exceptional talent, dedication, and commitment to musical excellence.

Two Sayville High School students, William Mitchell and Ella Ryan, were honored for earning selection to the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) High School Honor Band, a highly competitive ensemble featuring top student musicians from across the state.

High school musicians Cameron Dyckova and Brayden Rothstein were recognized for their selection to the Long Island String Festival Association (LISFA) High School Orchestra, while Michael Dragotta, Christopher Larkin, Ryan Serraino, and Maybelle Valenti were applauded for earning spots in the LISFA Middle School Orchestra.

Students Cooper Gavin and Aaron Sacks were also celebrated after being selected to the Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA) All-County Jazz Ensemble, which is once again being led by music educator Kerry VanBoxel.

In addition, Ava Helbock was commended for being named a Long Island Arts Alliance Scholar-Artist, one of the region’s most distinguished honors recognizing excellence in both the arts and academics.

“We are tremendously proud of these musicians,” Dr. Ferris said. “Their accomplishments reflect the strength of our district’s music programs, and their dedication, artistry, and discipline embody the excellence that Sayville strives for.”