Several NFA Students Selected for Prestigious Music Performance Groups

Several students from Newburgh Free Academy were selected for prestigious music groups throughout the fall. Below, find descriptions of the groups and the students who were selected to be a part of them. These students will be performing in the NFA Winter Concert I on December 22nd at 7pm (includes alumni/community Hallelujah Chorus!) and NFA Winter Concert II on January 18th at 7pm.

Some students have been playing and singing as early as three years old, noting music is a means of self expression, a way to occupy their time and have something to look forward to. Others shared that music has been a way to learn more about themselves and to meet and relate to great people! 

Students are taught in these subject areas by music teachers Mrs. Monica Antonelli-Guido and Mr. Thomas Swetz. 

These top scoring students prepared and performed a Level 6 or an All State Level 6 NYSSMA solo last spring at the NYSSMA solo adjudication festival. Their scores were compared with other music students within NYSSMA Zone 9 which encompasses Orange, Ulster, Rockland, Sullivan and Greene counties. These students will be participating in the NYSSMA Zone 9 Area All State Festival in November! BRAVO!! 

Treble Chorus

Ester Almeyda, Soprano 1

Ariel Ramirez, Soprano 1

Mixed Chorus

Inez O'Shea, Soprano 2

Julian Lamar, Tenor 1

Manny Tejeda, Bass 1

Orchestra

Jasmine Ngo, Viola

Elizabeth Mahoney, Viola

Rory Flynn, Violin 2

American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) - Manny Tejeda, Ariel Ramirez, and Ester Almeyda

Three students traveled to the inaugural year of the ACDA high school level honor choir earlier this fall. Students are recommended by their teacher, which is reviewed by ACDA. Not all students are accepted. ACDA has hosted elementary level honor choirs and extended the group for high school students this year.