Smithtown HS West Music Students Perform At Six Flags Great Adventure

SMITHTOWN, NY — Smithtown High School West musical students excelled at the recent Music in the Parks competition festival held at Six Flags Great Adventure on May 11.

Participants included the jazz choir and concert choir, under the direction of James Brosnan; the jazz ensemble under the direction of Frank Scheno; and the concert and symphonic orchestras under the direction of Joseph Cotignola.

Music in the Parks allows students in the music program to participate in a competitive festival and also have a fun day at Six Flags. The first portion of the day consisted of a performance where the ensembles were adjudicated by master musicians in their respective field. The adjudicators recorded audio commentary and completed assessments for each group that will aid in refining the already impressive talents of these ensembles.

The jazz ensemble, jazz choir, concert choir and symphonic orchestra all received the highest rating of superior in their respective categories and the concert orchestra earned a very impressive excellent rating. The jazz ensemble and symphonic orchestra were also awarded the honor of best Overall Ensemble in their categories.

In total, 115 Smithtown West musicians participated in the festival.

"Music in the Parks was an incredibly binding experience," said Noella Sexton, senior musician of the jazz and concert choir, in a news release. "It produced one of the strongest senses of community I have ever experienced. Getting to watch the orchestra and jazz ensemble perform truly pulled on my heart, as well as performing in both choirs."