Highlights from the 2026 ECMEA Senior High Festival
by Gryson Bae (WEHS), Ben Lliguicota (WEHS)
Primary Contributors: Matthew Harrington (WSHS), Vedant Mohan (WNHS) and Knox Sun (WNHS) and Mr. Robert Webster (WNHS)
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Each year, the Erie County Music Educators Association (ECMEA) festival brings together some of the most talented young musicians from across the region. The festival provides students the opportunity to perform in a large, audition-based ensemble under the guidance of distinguished conductors. This year, Senior High All-County was hosted at Williamsville South High School. Dr. Rebekah O'Brien, an established figure in conducting, was featured as the conductor for the Senior High All-County Symphonic Orchestra and one of the chairs for orchestra was Mr. Chazen of Amherst High School.
For those unfamiliar with how ECMEA works, Mr. Webster, orchestra director at North High, described the process. Students begin preparing in the fall by selecting and practicing solos for the ECMEA solo festival held each January. At the festival, trained adjudicators evaluate each performance for technique, musicality, and overall execution, assigning a numerical score that determines placement by ability. With hundreds of students participating, earning a spot in an All‑County ensemble reflects many hours of focused preparation and the distinction of standing out among numerous auditionees on the same instrument.
2026 ECMEA Senior High Symphonic Orchestra
For many students, ECMEA is a unique opportunity to collaborate with peers from different schools and skill levels. Knox Sun (Williamsville North, 10th grade, cello) described the challenge and excitement of working with new musicians. “You have to adapt to a different environment,” Knox said. “Many of the students are from schools I’ve never been to, and everyone plays a little differently. Learning to play as one group takes focus and teamwork.” Knox added that Dr. O’Brien’s conducting style pushed the students to refine their timing and dynamics. “She makes you really pay attention to every detail,” he explained.
Vocalists also had a chance to shine during the festival. Vedant Mohan (Williamsville North, 12th grade, Bass 2) highlighted the collaborative and technical growth that came from performing with a large ensemble. “I strengthened my breath support and improved my vocal projection,” Vedant said. “Being in a group this size is different from school chorus. Sectionals help you focus on precision, and rehearsing with new peers lets you see different techniques and approaches to music.”
For senior principal cellist Matthew Harrington (Williamsville South, 12th grade, cello), this festival was a capstone experience. “I was excited to have one last chance to perform with ECMEA before graduation,” Matthew said. His preparation involved listening to recordings to familiarize himself with the repertoire, then practicing slowly and deliberately to master both technical challenges and ensemble coordination. Matthew identified The Three-Cornered Hat by Manuel de Falla as the most demanding piece. “Individual parts were tricky, but combining everything with the full orchestra was a whole different challenge,” he said. Matthew feels his biggest growth came in ensemble collaboration, learning to listen, adjust, and blend with other musicians. “By the end of the first night, the ensemble already sounded amazing,” he added.
Gryson Bae (left) and Snigdha Chakravarti
Eli Feldstein (left) and Ben Watson
For younger students, the experience can be both intimidating and rewarding. Gryson Bae (Williamsville East, 10th grade, 1st violin) described ECMEA as everything he hoped it would be. “I really enjoyed getting to interact with music friends from the other Williamsville schools, Nichols, and more,” Gryson said. “I also loved playing in a full orchestra again!” Similarly, Ben Lliguicota (Williamsville East, 10th grade, 2nd violin) focused on the repertoire itself. “I loved playing the different pieces and really enjoyed how the selections elevated the ensemble,” he said.
Mr. Chazen, longtime educator and staff member for BRAVO Workshop, emphasized the importance of preparation and dedication. “Students spend months preparing for this festival,” he said. “It takes one-on-one work outside of school, recording themselves, and getting feedback. The level of commitment these young musicians show is incredible.” He also highlighted the life lessons that come with performing in such a diverse ensemble. “They learn to work on a team with people they’ve never met before. That collaboration is a skill that goes beyond music.”
Dr. O’Brien brought a wealth of experience and a distinctive approach to the festival. With a master’s in orchestral conducting and music theory from Pennsylvania State University and a background directing ensembles across Europe and the United States, she challenged students to adapt to her style while encouraging musical growth. “Each conductor has their own way of shaping the music,” Knox said. “Learning to follow Dr. O’Brien while still expressing yourself as a musician was a great experience.”
Gryson Bae (left) and Benjamin Lliguicota
For many students, ECMEA was as much about relationships as music. Knox noted, “I’ve made friends I wouldn’t have met otherwise. It’s not just about the music; it’s about sharing the experience with others who love it as much as you do.” Vedant added, “Creating music with people who are equally passionate is inspiring,” while Matthew reflected warmly on the community of returning musicians he sees each year.
Preparation and consistency were key takeaways for all. Knox advised, “Practice every day, even if it’s only 20 or 30 minutes. Be patient with yourself. Some sections are hard, but if you stick with it, you’ll get there.” Vedant emphasized the value of constructive feedback: “Accept guidance from your teachers and peers. Confidence comes from preparation and effort, and the more you put in, the more you get out of the experience.” Matthew encouraged students to also focus on passion: “Practice is important, but make sure you really love what you’re playing. There’s a real difference between playing music and feeling it, and that shows.”
Symphonic Orchestra Participants from Williamsville (alphabetized by last‑name initial)
Violin: Gryson Bae, Snigdha Chakravarti, Zhiyi Cheng, Tamira Ganapathy, Selena Han, Benjamin Lliguicota, Robin Park, Aubrey Rich, Abhijit Sikder, Melanie Skalski, Nicolo Zhai, Ethan Zhuang, and Emma Zu
Viola: Jessica Park
Cello: Athena Clabeaux, Matthew Harrington, Nathan Kim, Evan Schulenberg, and Knox Sun
String Bass: Ava Gomez, Paveena Kopinath, Titus Warner
Flute: Eli Feldstein
Oboe: Ben Antersol
Clarinet: Carol Li, Ben Watson
Trombone: Oliver Ferguson
Bass Trombone: Joseph Eppich
Tuba: Shane Vredenburg
Timpani: Inno Song
Percussion: Avery Best
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