Six Mineola High School students, trained by music teacher Meg Messina, were selected to participate in the American Choral Director’s Association Eastern Division Honor Choir.
Last spring, students created recordings of themselves which demonstrated their musicianship and skills. Auditions were evaluated in a blind audition process. Adding to the challenge, students were stacked up against auditioners from 11 states along the east coast.
The students will perform under nationally renowned choral conductors in Pittsburgh during the first weekend of March.
Senior Nathan Bischoff was also recently named a NYSSMA All-State Vocalist.
“There is no summit to studying music, there is always another piece to learn, or another choir to join,” Nathan said. “Possibilities and opportunities are endless.”
Senior Katrine Gulinao also plays the mellophone in the marching band and is involved in the MHS theater program.
“I love studying music because I love the thrill of performing and knowing you’re doing something good for your community,” she said.
Junior Josephine Jones attributes her musical successes to the support she receives from her family, friends and teachers. She enjoys being involved in music because of the collaborative team atmosphere that is developed during the rehearsal process.
Senior Jake Lenze has been singing for as long as he can remember.
“I love how endless the possibilities of studying music are,” Lenze said. “In choral music, one day we could be singing a classical piece from the renaissance and the next we could be singing a gospel piece with totally different styles and emotions. Music can truly be whatever you want it to be.”
Junior Samantha Trested has been singing since she was in the second grade. She was recently recognized as a NYSSMA All-State vocalist.
This year, Trested is attending Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts to further her study in musical theater. In addition to her classes at Mineola High School and LIHSA, she studies voice privately.
“Music is a form of expression for me and without it I don’t know where I would be,” Trested said.
Senior Miguel Velasquez, in addition to singing, plays the cello in the high school orchestra.
“I love challenging myself with pieces and seeing all the hard work come together to make beautiful and unforgettable sounds,” he said.
The Mineola School Community has been designated a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation for nine consecutive years.
