Award winner, Grace DeAngelo, Outstanding Achievement for Electronic Music is missing from the article. In addition to the Garden City Friends of Music scholarship award given to a graduating senior every year, students in fifth, eighth and twelfth grades are recognized for outstanding achievement in the categories of Band, Orchestra, Vocal Music and Electronic Music. Our annual membership drive and fundraisers enable us to make grants to Garden City schools to supplement and enhance the music programs. Performances will be recorded and submitted to NYSSMA for editing into a final, virtual concert.Garden City Friends of Music’s mission is to support music education and encourage the development of music skills in our children. Students will prepare pieces with support from their music teachers. However, this year’s festival will be entirely virtual. Both students achieved a score of 100.Īll-State musicians typically travel to Rochester for a four-day festival in early December. Selections for this year’s festival were based on Spring 2019 NYSSMA solo ratings. This spring, her original composition “Ascending” will be performed by the Clarkstown High School South Orchestra.Īuditions for All-State ensembles are highly competitive. Lila is currently applying to colleges as a music composition major and dreams of becoming a film composer. “I am grateful to be able to participate again.” “I performed in the All-State Symphonic Orchestra last year and had a great time,” said Villasenor. While in high school, Lila inspired her fellow string musicians to lend their talents in the pit orchestra for South’s musical. Later on in the eighth grade, she arranged a piece for her class inspired by “The Office” theme song. She performed for the Board of Education in the second grade. “Lila is one of the most exceptional students I have ever had,” said Orchestra Teacher Lydia Leiztman. Largely inspired by watching her cousins perform and listening to classical music and film scores, she fell in love with the sound of the violin. Lila discovered her passion for music when she was only four years old. He hopes to continue exploring his love of the performing arts through extracurriculars and community theatre. “It feels amazing to have my time, effort and talent rewarded in this way.”Įthan’s future plans include attending law school to become an attorney. “I was an alternate last year,” said Miller.
“He always comes to rehearsals prepared and has strong vocals that provide a solid foundation for the rest of the ensemble.” Bonsignore also credits the singer’s tenacity and ability to hone his skills for the All-State selection. “Ethan's work ethic is beyond reproach,” said Chorus and IB Theatre Teacher Kip Bonsignore.
Fast forward to today, Ethan is a four-year member of both the chorus and the Ambassadors (Glee Club) and a three-year member of the Troubadours. Miller will perform with the Mixed Chorus and Villasenor will perform with the String Orchestra.Įthan got his start with the Helen Hayes Youth Theatre at just seven years old, where he discovered his true passion for singing. These two Clarkstown High School South seniors have been selected to participate in this year’s All-State Music Festival.
Congratulations to Clarkstown Central School District’s 2020 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State musicians Ethan Miller (bass) and Lila Villasenor (violin)!