Two concerts will be performed on Saturday March 22 at 11am and 2pm
From ACSMA,
You will always know that spring is right around the corner when the Allegany County Schools Music Association (ACSMA) is ready to present their third and final All-County Honors Festival of the season. This year the ACSMA All-County Honors Festival #3 is Friday, March 21st – Saturday, March 22nd and is graciously being hosted at Alfred University. Wellsville Music teachers Jeff Joslyn (6-12 Band), Matthew Purks-Morris (6-12 Choir) and Noah Luthart (5-12 Strings) are working closely with Dr. Lisa Lantz (Professor of Music/Strings) and Randy Wachtel (Clinical Professor of Practice in Production Management) to bring a wonderful educational experience to the students of Allegany County.
Over 200 student-musicians, representing every school in Allegany County, will gather to rehearse together beginning on Friday, March 21st and culminate in NOT one, but TWO CONCERTS on Saturday, March 22nd.
The first concert will be at 11:00am on Saturday, March 22nd when the ACSMA Sixth Grade All-County Honors Chorus will take the stage in the beautiful Miller Theater on the Alfred University Campus, under the direction of Mrs. Megan Tackentein. Mrs.Tackentien is the 6-12 vocal and general music teacher at Cuba-Rushford Central School, where she directs five vocal ensembles, teaches general music, and instructs the JCC Music Appreciation course. She also serves as vocal director for the district’s spring musical and the CRCS Junior Musical program. Now in her 19th year with the district, she previously taught K-5 general music and elementary band. Tackentien holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music Education with a vocal concentration from SUNY Fredonia. An active leader in music education, she is Vice President of the Allegany County School Music Association (ACSMA) and a Lead Chaperone for the NYSSMA Conference All-State Ensembles. She resides in Cuba, NY, with her husband, Luke, and their three sons. Mr. Matthew Purks-Morris will be accompanying the Sixth Grade All-County Honors Chorus.
The second Concert will begin at 2:00pm when Nathan Tanner, the winner of the Senior Going on in Music ACSMA Scholarship, takes the stage. A senior at Fillmore Central School, Nathan will be performing the vocal solo “Aufenthalt” by Franz Schubert, accompanied by Mrs. Jan Shilke. A member of the 2024 NYSSMA Conference All-State Mixed Chorus, Nathan plans to pursue Music Education after graduation at a college still to be determined. Nathan is the son of Nathan and Andrea Tanner.
Next on the program will be the ACSMA Junior High All-County Honors Chorus under the direction of Mrs. Carina Telesca, accompanied by Ms. Elizabeth Crawford. Carina has been teaching vocal general music and chorus for nearly 25 years, with tenure in the Rochester City Schools before teaching at Alfred-Almond and presently is teaching in her alma mater in the Honeoye Falls-Lima School District. She has performed as a soloist with the Rochester Oratorio Society, Hornell Community Theatre, and Orpheus Chorale, and has led vocal ensembles to NYSSMA Majors Festival Gold Awards. An experienced conductor of all-county and all-state ensembles, she holds a master’s in music education from Nazareth University, where she received the Graduate Award for Excellence in Music Education, and an Orff Level 1 Certification from The Eastman School of Music. She enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, and their many animals.
Greta Smither, an eighth grader at Belfast Central School is the winner of this year’s Junior High ACSMA Scholarship. Greta will be performing the marimba solo “Rain Dance” by Alice Gomez and Marilyn Rife. Greta is the daughter of Marc and Ailie Smithers.
Completing this program will be the ACSMA Senior High All-County Honors Band under the direction of Meghan Cabral. Ms. Cabral is the High School Band Director at Carmel High School in New York, leading the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band. Her ensembles have earned top ratings at NYSSMA festivals, and her students have been selected for prestigious honors groups. Meghan holds degrees in Music Education from Ithaca College and Western Connecticut University, as well as an advanced degree in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College. A published author and clinician, she has contributed to major music education journals and presented at national and international conferences. She has also served in leadership roles for NYSSMA and PCMEA and maintains an active private clarinet studio. Recently, Meghan joined Marist College and Vandercook College of Music as an adjunct professor.
White Imprints, Cuba NY, will be at the festival selling the 2025 ACSMA All-County Honors Festival apparel.
Tickets may be purchased at the door and are as follows:
Students / Seniors $6.00
Adults $8.00
Family: $20.00
Attendees of the morning concert are encouraged to keep their programs for entry to the afternoon concert without purchasing an additional ticket.
Join us in celebrating the dedication and talent of these outstanding student-musicians from across Allegany County!
