The selection committees for the 2016 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, December 1 and ending Sunday, December 4. 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 Rocky Point High School.

Bellport High School's All-State musicians include:
Deanna DeMartino Alto II Women's Chorus
Lili Salcedo-Watson Cello String Orchestra
Laurel 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 6,500 students that auditioned statewide for a position in the All-State Music Festival. . In fact, Deanna and Lili enjoy the rare distinction of being selected for All-State two consecutive years! Performing ensembles include the All-State Band, Wind Ensemble, Mixed Chorus, Women's Chorus, Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, Instrumental and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. South Country had 15 high school students audition for All-State last spring.

The music department is very proud to have Deanna, Lili and Laurel represent Bellport High School and the South Country Central School District at this highly celebrated event!

photo caption: L-R Lili Salcedo Watson, Deanna Dimartino and Laurel Zimlinghaus