A number of talented Akron musicians participated in All-County festivals!

March is a busy month for music! During the past few weeks, audiences were able to enjoy a number of performances including: the 4th grade string recital, the Music & Munchies orchestra concert, the musical stage production of Into the Woods, and most recently the annual Cabaret Concerts. In addition to all of the music events held at Akron, many of the top musicians in the program also traveled to host schools or venues in Erie County to participate in county wide honors ensembles. 

Back in January, students auditioned on their instrument and/or voice at the solo competitions for the Erie County Music Educators Association’s elementary (grades 4-6), junior high (grades 7-9), and senior high (grades 10-12) levels. For the auditions, students are required to play or sing a solo they have prepared in front of a music adjudicator. The adjudicator gives them a score and those that score the highest on their instrument (or voice) are selected to play in the All-County Band, Orchestra, or Chorus. 

From across the county, students who are selected for an All-County ensemble spend a weekend in March meeting other directors and musicians while rehearsing with their ensemble. Each festival then culminates with a concert performance. The Elementary ensembles performed at Kleinhans Music Hall, the Junior High Festival took place at Amherst High School, and the Senior High Festival took place at Williamsville South High School.  

In addition to the All-County festivals happening locally, the NYSBDA band conference also took place in Syracuse, NY. NYSBDA, short for New York State Band Directors Association, is a conference that occurs each year in March, and invites band directors and students from across the state to gather and collaborate. The festival features an honors junior high band, high school band, and high school jazz band. This was the first time in many years that Akron students attended this festival!

“We are so proud of our Akron students that participated in all of the festivals!” said Akron’s Band Director, Miss Nina Komosinski. “Erie County is one of the most competitive counties for music in the entire state and it is a huge accomplishment to be selected for one of these ensembles.”

Senior High All-County Band: Audrey Garverick, Sam Reagan
Senior High All-County Chorus: Alyssa Jago

Junior High NYSBDA Band: Kacie Murray, Laura Waddell, Hannah Witkowski
Junior High All-County Orchestra: Maddie Odachowski 
Junior High All-County Chorus: Junie-Marie Capan, David Drier, Eliza Koopman, Kendel Murray, Natasha Pafk

Elementary All-County Band- Allison Clark, Megan Drier, Megan McCullor, Sicily Pingotore, Brooke Waldron, Emmy Williams
Elementary All-County Orchestra- Charlotte Andolina, Levi Long, and McKinley Sanville
Elementary All-County Chorus- Silas Allesandro, Nadia Baldinelli, Lydia Baehr, Lucas Forrestel, Lincoln Genovese, Peyton Kania, Elizabeth Rizzo, Gabriella Mangione