Combo performs before the start of the meeting
There’s an incentive for coming early to school board meetings. Punctual audience members can listen to some very talented musicians. On Feb. 7, the high school jazz combo treated the guest to a professional-sounding rendition of “Take the A Train.”
After the performance, faculty member Tony Ravinsky introduced the musicians and then cited the students who were recently recognized. Here’s what he had to say:
“In the spring of 2021 approximately 4,500 sophomores and juniors prepared a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) solo in hopes of being considered for a spot in one of the All-State Honors Ensembles. These solos are extremely challenging, and typically would be performed and prepared by college musicians. Of these 4,500 students who prepared a solo only 490 were selected to participate in one of these ensembles with a list of 700 alternates from around New York State. Because of Covid restrictions only 50% of the standard ensembles performed at this year’s All State Festival, which made it even more challenging to get into an ensemble.
“Tonight Cornwall Central High School is happy to announce that eight of our high school students have been recognized as All State Musicians. This is the largest group of musicians I have had the honor to recognize as All State Musicians since I have been at CCSD for the past 20 years. Typically we are excited to have one student honored.
“All of these students have gone above and beyond anything Mr. Hoover, Mr. Franca or myself have asked, and they all worked hard to prepare these solos last spring as they continue to be student leaders in our ensembles. Most importantly many of these students are looking to pursue music in college and some hope to perform for a living.”
Cornwall’s current crop of All State Musicians includes: Jonathan Arcangel (instrumental jazz), Jonathan Arcangel (band alternate), Benjamin Carter (mixed chorus), Natalie Celantano (symphonic band), Victor Perez (jazz alternate), Caleb Sandler (orchestra alternate), Joshua Wozniak (band alternate), and Samuel Wozniak (instrumental jazz)
Mr. Jake Hoover is the high school band instructor.
