We are pleased to share that 10 students across Rye Neck’s middle school and high school received top scores for their musical performances by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA)! The mission of NYSSMA is to advance music education across the state. Schools across New York can become members of this association, and each year, around 100,000 students participate in their annual spring adjudication festivals. Festivals are held at many schools across the state, and looking ahead to the 2022-2023 school year, you might just see our school hosting a competition!

Students in our district who are passionate and enthusiastic about music are encouraged to participate in this state-wide competition. Those interested select music from a choice of options made availably by NYSSMA and spend months preparing and practicing for their performance. This isn’t easy, and many hours go into preparation! This year’s spring adjudication was extra special, as students were able to participate in a way that wasn’t possible since the start of the pandemic.

There are opportunities for students to participate in many levels (from intermediate to difficult) and they are evaluated on their site-reading skills of music, their performance and other metrics determined by NYSSMA.

“In the end, we had exceptionally strong students performing this year,” said Mr. John Mattera from Rye Neck’s Music Department. “We were glad to have this event back in person, and we’re proud of the accomplishments of the students from our district who spent many months practicing for their big day!”

Congratulations to the following students on their latest achievement! And, we are pleased to share that Gabriel T. (11th grade) performed in this year’s competition with two separate entries (violin and viola) and auditioned at the all-state level!

• Gabriel B.; Snare Drum
• Nadia G.; Flute
• Alexander K.; Snare Drum
• Lily K.; Violin
• Isabel; P; Guitar-Classical
• John S.; Cello
• Gabriel T.; Violin and Viola
• Immanuel T.; Violin
• Raphael ; Violin
• Iris T.; Flute

Thank you to the entire music department at Rye Neck for their encouragement, support, and guidance!

• Ms. Caitlin Clarke
• Mr. Tom Galgano
• Mr. Scott Harris
• Mr. John Mattera
• Ms. Jessica Yeung