They’re the best in the state! Glens Falls High School vocalists Ryan Burchfield, Lily Duerr, Erin Stockdale, and Lison Tunick, and saxophonist Sean Pettis, have all earned spots in the prestigious New York State School Music Association All-State performance groups.
Only nine hundred students out of thousands from high schools across New York State were selected to perform in the eight All-State ensembles. The five student-musicians will perform at the beautiful Eastman Theatre in Rochester this weekend before hundreds of music educators, music students, family, and friends.
Ryan will sing bass in the Mixed Chorus. This is Ryan’s second year in All-State chorus, a testament to his superb vocal skills. “He is a very strong singer and musician, and enjoys a good musical challenge!” says GFHS Chorus Director Abigail Sery.
Lily will sing soprano in the Treble Chorus. “She has been singing in school and community choral ensembles for many years and has a great sense of musicianship and artistry,” says Ms. Sery.
Erin will sing alto in the Treble Chorus. “She is an excellent musician and skilled sight reader,” notes Ms. Sery. “She has worked diligently to prepare this challenging All-State music.”
Lison will sing soprano in the Treble Chorus. She has spent the year auditioning for collegiate musical theatre programs. “She is incredibly driven and is a strong leader in our school choral groups,” says Ms. Sery.
Sean will be performing in the Symphonic band on Alto Saxophone and was selected as an alternate for the Jazz Ensemble. It is extremely rare for a student to be selected in multiple ensembles at the state level. “He is a one-of-a-kind musician and a musical force to be reckoned with!” says GFHS Band Director Jeremy Bouteiller.
These student-musicians were chosen for All-State by receiving near-perfect scores on their All-State solo and sight-reading auditions last May.
NYSSMA, the New York State School Music Association, is the largest state affiliate of The National Association for Music Education. The mission of NYSSMA is to advocate and improve the education in music of all people by promoting appropriate music activities and programs in the schools and communities throughout New York State.