The selection committees for the 2017 New York State School Music Association Conference selected three Bellport High School musicians to perform at this year’s All-State NYSSMA Winter Music Conference.  The festival and conference will take place in Rochester, NY, beginning Thursday, November 30 and ending Sunday, December 3.   Two days of concert performances will be held at the renowned Eastman Theater of the Eastman School of Music.  

Each of these students received a perfect score (A+, 100) from state adjudicators on their solo performances at last spring’s NYSSMA Solo Festival held at Eastport-South Manor High School last spring.

Bellport High School’s All-State musicians include:
• Erin Kelly - Soprano 2 - Chorus (Alternate) 
• Sarah Vaccaro - Viola - Symphony Orchestra
• Tyler Zapata - Trumpet - Symphonic Band
• Andrew Zimlinghaus - Clarinet - Band (Alternate)

Each student was notified of their acceptance to the All-State Music Conference by mail in late August.  They are one of 900 NYS student musicians selected to perform in one of the eight prestigious All-State performing ensembles.  This represents a remarkable achievement, as there were over 6,600 students that auditioned statewide for a position in the All-State Music Festival. Performing ensembles include the All-State Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Mixed Chorus, Women’s Chorus, Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, Instrumental and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. South Country had 20 high school students audition for All-State last spring.

The music department is very proud to have Erin, Sarah, Tyler and Andrew represent Bellport High School and the South Country Central School District at this highly celebrated event!