Keeler, Cox, Tanner, Rowley, Stupp earn highest achievement possible for high school musicians
From ACSMA, pictured L-R Colton Stupp, Mya Keeler, Jenna Rowley, Nathan Tanner, Evelyn Cox
The Allegany County School Music Association (ACSMA) is proud to announce that five exceptional student-musicians from Allegany County have been selected to participate in the prestigious 2024 New York State Schools Music Association (NYSSMA) Conference All-State Ensembles. This recognition represents the highest achievement for a New York State public high school musician, comparable to winning a state championship for athletes.
A Rigorous Selection Process
Participation in a NYSSMA Conference All-State Ensemble is an honor reserved for the most dedicated and talented musicians in New York. The process begins with students auditioning at a NYSSMA-sanctioned Spring Solo Festival, with eligibility limited to high school juniors and seniors.
- Over 7,000 students statewide audition, competing for just 845 positions.
- Even a perfect score does not guarantee selection, reflecting the elite level of competition.
Once selected, students receive their music in September and prepare under the guidance of their school music teachers. They join their peers from across the state in Rochester, NY, the Thursday after Thanksgiving, to rehearse intensively over several days. The experience culminates in extraordinary performances at the Innovations and Eastman Theatres during the NYSSMA Winter Conference, held December 5–8, 2024.
Allegany County’s Remarkable Representation
It is a rare and remarkable achievement for a single school in Allegany County to have a student selected for this prestigious event. This year, Fillmore Central School boasts an outstanding four students selected, while Cuba-Rushford Central School celebrates one student named as an alternate.
Fillmore Central School Students:
- Mya Keeler (Alto I, Treble Chorus): A junior, parents Jennifer and Justin Keeler.
(Also auditioned on French Horn, earning an A+ rating) - Evelyn Cox (Soprano I, Treble Chorus): A senior, parents Amanda and Michael Cox.
- Nathan Tanner (Bass II, Mixed Chorus): A senior, parents Andrea and Nate Tanner.
(Also auditioned on Trombone, earning an A+ rating) - Jenna Rowley (Timpani, Symphonic Band): A junior, parents Rebecca and John Rowley.
Teachers: Jessica Chapman (Instrumental) and Micah Banks (Vocal).
Cuba-Rushford Central School Student:
- Coleton Stupp (Tenor II Alternate, Mixed Chorus): A senior, Parents Brittany Deschler and Jason Stupp. Coleton is taught by Megan Tackentien.
A Testament to Dedication
Preparing for an All-State audition requires months of intense practice, dedication, and perseverance. Remarkably, some students demonstrated their commitment by auditioning on two different instruments or vocal parts, achieving excellence across disciplines.
Attend the Performances
The NYSSMA Conference All-State Concerts are open to the public, showcasing the talents of New York State’s finest young musicians. Tickets will be available at the door. For concert times and ticket information, please contact Jessica Chapman at Fillmore Central School.
Celebrating Excellence
ACSMA congratulates these extraordinary student-musicians on their achievements. Their hard work and artistry reflect the exceptional support of their families, teachers, and school communities.
