The top students from school music departments across New York state will perform together as part of the Area All-State band, chorus and orchestra ensembles. The New York State School Music Association selected these talented students for the honor. Some of the musicians selected are from a high school near you.

The Area All-State experience begins at school with a music educator, lessons and of course practice time at home. This is their state championship, so there is plenty to be proud of. Thousands of students from across the state prepare for Area All-State auditions with solos, site-reading and scales.

What You Need To Know

  • The All-State bands, chorus, orchestra and jazz ensembles are honors groups comprised of the top students from school music departments across the state

  • The New York State School Music Association works to advance music education across New York State for its membership and students in member school programs

  • The NYSSMA 2023 Winter Conference is Nov. 30 – Dec. 3 in Rochester

  • The Le Roy CSD music department is committed to providing students with the opportunity to express themselves musically through a multitude of musical activities

Some 600 students from across the state made it, including 10 students from Le Roy Junior and Senior High School.

Junior Fernando Cacho made All-County and now the Area All-State ensemble for the second time. He plays the euphonium, a tenor tuba.

"It feels super special going to that level of band,” Cacho said. “When you compete at sectionals in sports you compete with so many people at a level above you or with you on terms of competitiveness. With band it's the same thing. It's a great experience to hear all the sections. To hear a wide palette is an experience. It doesn't matter what chair, first, second or third it doesn't matter. For me, I enjoy the experience of playing with other people who put as much effort and concentration into an activity as well."

Eighth-grader Leah Cashin loves to sing, act, dance and she plays the heck out of the trumpet. She's so good she made the Area All-State band again.

"It is so exciting honestly,” Cashin said. “Making All-State is a big accomplishment so it is very exciting. I am very proud of myself and I am lucky to have the amazing teachers and music program that we have.”

The music teachers are so proud of these students.

"First off being a tiny school we feel lucky to have a handful of students attending this year," said Jacqueline McLean, Le Roy CSD director of music. "In addition to that just the joy it brings us as teachers to watch them in these accelerated groups. We love working them hard every single day in our own ensembles but to see them make that leap to the next level and have the drive and the interest and effort to continue to work hard on what they make and create in music."

There are 15 music association zones across the state with each holding a winter concert that's open to the public.