The All-State music festival was held at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York on December 5 and continued until the last concert on December 8.

Students who previously scored a 100 on a level 6 at last year's New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) solo festival for their instruments were chosen based on their own performance.

Students practiced for three to four long days before performing their hearts out on Saturday and Sunday.

"It was like listening to a professional orchestra. The end of Mahler's 1st Symphony brought me to tears," orchestra teacher Mrs. Edele said.

"All-State was a phenomenal experience and I am so grateful to have made it in, especially on such a competitive instrument. Being in an environment with so many other talented and dedicated musicians really made it one of the best experiences of my high school career," senior Vita Dean said. Dean plays the piccolo.

Three students from GRB participated in All-State. Senior Andrew Smith played violin in the Symphonic Orchestra, Dean played piccolo in the Wind Ensemble, and senior Kaylee Foster sang Soprano in the Treble Choir.

This is the first time in over 25 years that so many people from G. Ray Bodley were accepted. Last year, only one person made it into the All-State conference, senior cellist Leah O'Hanlon.

Senior vocalist Kaylee Foster said, "Treble Choir was a wonderful experience. It was great to have been around so many talented people this weekend. It helped me realize my strength and weaknesses. I hope to apply the things I learned at All-State to my high school chorus."

Two other students were chosen as alternates, which means that if someone had backed out these students could fill in. They included junior Sidney Bradshaw, bass, and senior Emily Porter, flute.

"I am so honored to have been able to perform with such an amazing group of musicians. I am very fortunate to have been a 1st Violin in the Symphonic Orchestra in such a competitive field," Smith said.