West Islip Seniors Make Beautiful Music

West Islip High School had eight seniors from West Islip High School earn recognition as all-state musicians.

Alexander Moy (violin) was chosen by NYSSMA for the all-state string orchestra; James Khoury (trombone), Sara Mercurio (alto saxophone) and Ryan Small (oboe) for the all-state symphonic band; Rachel Swenson (soprano) for the all-state women’s chorus; and Katelyn Barbour (soprano), Sheila Flaherty (alto) and Michael Marinelli (bass) for the all-state mixed chorus.

Junior Ryan McSweeney, a drummer, was selected as an alternate for the all-state jazz ensemble.

The students performed at the New York State School Music Association’s 80th annual Winter Conference. The event, gathering the best student musicians from across the state, finished with all-state concerts on Dec. 3-6 at the Eastman Theater in Rochester.

“The selection of these students for all-state honors is a testament to not only their hard work and dedication, but affirms all that they have learned in West Islip’s rigorous music program,” said Eric Albinder, the district’s director of art and music education.

Photo: Clockwise from left, West Islip High School’s all-state musicians, Ryan Small, Michael Marinelli, Sheila Flaherty, Alexander Moy, Ryan McSweeney, James Khoury, Sara Mercurio, Rachel Swenson and Katelyn Barbour, were congratulated by principal Anthony Bridgeman, chorus director Melissa Senatore, director of art and music education Eric Albinder and orchestra director William Willis.

Photo by West Islip School District.