DECEMBER 1, 2023

The Millbrook Minute

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Millbrook High School Musicians

Shine at Area All State Music Festival

Six talented students from Millbrook High School were selected to participate in the 2023 Area All-State Music Festival in Carmel, NY on November 17 and 18, 2023. The festival, which showcases some of the best student musicians from the region, was held at George Fischer Middle School in Carmel, NY and featured a treble choir, mixed choir and symphonic band.

Representing Millbrook High School were vocalists Collette-Kate Ashong, Ryley Dolan and Amber Concannon as well as trombone players Griffin Bialy and Maeve Lomoriello and French horn player Aiden Pfisterer. All six are members of the school's music program and have been studying music for several years.

Students are selected for the Area All-State Music Festival based on their scores from judged performances during the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) solo festival, which they participated in during the last school year. According to Millbrook director of bands Daniel Dunninger, the students had to prepare challenging and advanced pieces both for their solos and the festival.

"It takes an exceptionally high level to be chosen," Dunninger said. "Character and work ethic wise, it takes a motivated, disciplined individual to achieve the level of music required to both be considered and participate in the Area All-State Festival."

Dunninger noted that not every student recommended for Area All-State is accepted.

"These students are among just a few chosen from Columbia, Dutchess and Putnam counties and should be recognized accordingly," he said. "They have risen to high standards in performance as well as professionalism."

Students had only two days to rehearse with the other musicians from different schools before the concert, which was attended by an audience of community members from throughout the region.

Both the mixed and treble choruses performed four songs, ranging from a traditional Malay folk song to a contemporary Latvian piece to a Spanish song arranged by Rob Dietz. The symphonic band performed three pieces, including Robert Jagers' "Third Suite,” Sam Hazos' "Arabesque" and Brian Balmages' "Water Colors.”

The students received standing ovations after each piece.

"The concert was an exceptional performance and very well attended," said choral music teacher Alexander Garcia. "The students were amazing in terms of preparing their repertoire and displaying our Millbrook Pride throughout the entire festival."

Dunninger and Garcia added that they are very proud of their students and grateful for the opportunity to be involved in such a prestigious event.

"This opportunity is unlike any other and I am forever grateful to have students participate," said Garcia. "They have learned so much from this experience and I hope they will continue to pursue their musical passions in the future."