Got Pre-NYSSMA Performance Jitters?

Sayville Music Department had an answer for that. The week before the weekend's NYSSMA festival*, the Sayville High School Tri-M Music Honor Society invited music students within the district to the High School for a Mock NYSSMA practice session. High School Orchestra teacher Mr. Ari Kramer explained, “The purpose of the event was to alleviate any possible fears and anxieties the students might feel as they approach their auditions…. It has been three years since a live NYSSMA has occurred, and because of that, many have never attended prior. We had a very successful event this year, and hope to provide this service to our district for many years to come.”

*NYSSMA sponsors approximately 145 solo and small ensemble and major ensemble festivals in New York State each spring. At solo and small ensemble festivals, students are given a performance evaluation that involves playing a graded solo from the NYSSMA Manual, playing scales and sight reading. At major ensemble festivals, school bands, choruses and orchestras are evaluated.