NRHS Hosts Area All-State

By Hannah Klupt

On October 18, 2023, New Rochelle High School welcomed 400 musicians from all over Westchester County for an Area All-State Rehearsal.

This year, New Rochelle High School was selected to host the NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) rehearsals and performances. Within the festival, the groups consist of a band, orchestra, two choruses, and a symphony orchestra.

Students came from all over Westchester County to participate. Some musicians came from nearby towns like Mamaroneck and Scarsdale, while others came from as far away as Hastings, Chappaqua, and towns over the Tappan Zee Bridge. From New Rochelle High School, 29 students were selected to participate. In total, 41 school districts are to be featured in this year’s festival.

Teachers, staff, administrators, and students were all excited to help with the coordination of organizing the rehearsals. Mr. Lucero, head of the performing arts department, said, "We are extremely proud to host this year's NYSSMA Zone 11 Area All-State Festival. We are looking forward to hosting the next rehearsal on 11/1/23 and the upcoming performances on 11/4/23 at 1pm (Band Concert), 11/4/23 at 5pm (Orchestras Concert), and 11/5/23 at 1pm (Chorus Concert). I thank the members of the NRHS Music Department for their help in making sure the rehearsals and concert run smoothly!"

Students in the New Rochelle High School Tri-M Music Honor Society also enjoyed helping during the rehearsals. Members directed participants to rehearsal areas and were able to be of assistance in any way the performers and conductors needed. Junior Luca Lazzarini said, “As a music student who has no prior experience with NYSSMA events it was amazing to hear all the beautiful combinations of music. Even though I wasn’t playing, I can confidently say that I learned a lot just by watching how they rehearse such complex music in a short time span.”

New Rochelle High School is looking forward to hosting the band and orchestra performances on November 4th and the chorus concert on November 5th. It will be a great opportunity to hear live music, and all members of the community are welcome to purchase tickets.