(10/04/04) The RHS students selected to attend All-State and All-County Music Festivals were recently announced.

Nine students were chosen to attend All-County: Chorus: Matthew, Jordanna, Frances, Brett, Kerriann; Orchestra: Griffin, Michael, Chris, and Devon. The All-County Concert will be held at Northport High School on November 19, 2004 at 8:00 PM.

Five students from RHS were selected to attend All-State this year: Frances Lembo and Brett Chizever (All-State Mixed Chorus); Kerriann (All-State Women's Chorus); Christopher and Devon (All-State Orchestra). (Chistopher will not be able to attend because he has a Julliard Concert on that date.)

In order to be eligible, students must have performed a Level VI solo at a NYSSMA Solo Festival last spring.  The musical and technical requirements are at the highest level of difficulty and are evaluated and ranked by a certified NYSSMA adjudicator. Thousands of students auditioned for this honor and these students’ achievement represents mastery learning and a true pursuit of excellence! These students will spend four days immersed in rehearsals with nationally renowned conductors.

"I think this is the highest number of students we've ever had to be chosen to attend All-State," stated David Loddengaard, the chair of the music department, who was last year's president of NYSCAME. "To be invited to All-State is the highest possible honor awarded for excellence and achievement in music in New York State. In order to be chosen, a student must rank among the top musicians in New York State!  We are very proud that these students. They will represent our school at the NYSSMA All-State Conference in Rochester, NY on December 2 – December 5, 2004."