Don’t miss this student performance! 2:00 PM | Houghton University Wesley Chapel
Special scholarship performance by Fillmore’s Evelyn Chapman
From Joanne Brown, ACSMA #1 fan and publicist
March is Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®) — a nationwide celebration highlighting the essential role of music education in shaping well-rounded students and vibrant communities. In proud celebration of this initiative, the Allegany County School Music Association (ACSMA) will present the 2026 All-County Honors Festival #2 Concert on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Wesley Chapel at Houghton University.
This annual festival showcases the extraordinary dedication and talent of student musicians and their teachers from across Allegany County. Co-chaired by Rebekah Brennan and Moriah Clenenin of Belfast Central School, the festival brings together more than 100 outstanding junior and senior high musicians for intensive rehearsals beginning Friday, March 6, culminating in a dynamic public performance on Saturday afternoon.
Concert Program Highlights
Senior High All-County Honors Jazz Band
Under the direction of Ms. Stephanie Hulin, the Jazz Band will open the concert with an energetic and engaging performance. Ms. Hulin, a graduate of SUNY Fredonia with a degree in Childhood Inclusive Education and Music, has taught at Bolivar-Richburg CSD, Chewelah Elementary (WA), and currently serves as Instrumental Music and Music Theory Teacher at Friendship Central School. Her passion for cultivating musical excellence and personal growth in students is at the heart of her work.
Senior High All-County Honors Chorus
Led by Mr. Ian MacDonald, the Honors Chorus will present a program highlighting vocal artistry and ensemble excellence. Mr. MacDonald serves as High School Vocal Music Director and Middle School General Music Teacher at Tioga Central High School. An active performer, he collaborates with regional choirs and theatre companies and has served as Children’s Choir Master for Tri-Cities Opera’s production of Hansel & Gretel in Binghamton, NY.
Junior High All-County Honors Band
The afternoon will conclude with the Junior High Honors Band under the baton of Mr. William Fancher. A retired educator with 34 distinguished years at Allegany-Limestone Central School, Mr. Fancher directed award-winning concert, jazz, and marching bands and dedicated his later career to mentoring beginning instrumentalists. His ensembles consistently earned top ratings at NYSSMA Festivals and performed in major cities across North America and Europe. He continues to share his lifelong passion for music through conducting, adjudicating, and mentoring young musicians.
Special Recognitions
The concert will feature a special scholarship performance by Evelyn Chapman, a junior at Fillmore Central School and recipient of the 2026 ACSMA Senior High Music Scholarship. Evelyn will perform the Concerto by Alexander Glazunov for alto saxophone, accompanied by Mr. Steve Thomas. Evelyn is the daughter of Jessica and James Chapman.
ACSMA will also recognize Karson Weatherly, a 9th grader at Cuba-Rushford Central School, whose winning design was selected for this year’s All-County Honors Festival apparel and concert program cover. He will receive a certificate and a $50 award for his outstanding creativity and artistry. Karson is the son of Alyssa Payne and Jesse Weatherly.
Scan the QR Code to order 2026 ACSMA All-County Honors Apparel
Event Details
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Wesley Chapel at Houghton University
Tickets (available at the door):
- Students & Seniors: $6
- Adults: $8
- Family: $20
(Immediate family only — up to two parents/guardians and three children.)
Community members are warmly invited to attend and celebrate the remarkable achievements of these young musicians. Join us in honoring their dedication, discipline, and passion as they proudly share an afternoon of exceptional music-making in celebration of Music In Our Schools Month®.
