Luke Lundquist Performs in the All-State Symphonic Band at the 85th Annual Winter Concert
December 2 through 5, 2021
Congratulations to Sayville High School Junior Luke Lundquist for his selection to the NYSSMA 2021 Conference All-State Symphonic Band, held December 2 through December 5, in Kodak Hall in the Eastman Theatre, Rochester, New York.
This prestigious honor was made more special as the number of in-person participants invited to the 85th Annual Winter Conference in Rochester had been drastically reduced from previous years. Customarily, Sayville sends more than one student to the annual conference, but this year, while there were many talented alternates* among our Sayville High School music students who would have qualified, only Luke Lundquist was chosen. His selection was based upon his Tuba audition tape.
After spending the weekend rehearsing with All-State Band Conductor Dr. Russell Mikkelson from Ohio State University in Columbia, Luke performed the concert program—The Star-Spangled Banner, Full Circle by Viet Cuong, Rest by Frank Ticheli, and Paris Sketches by Martin Ellerby—to a very select audience, which included his elated and proud parents, Eric and Mily.
Luke enjoyed his experience at the conference. He remarked that the level of professionalism was very high and even though the hours of practice made for long days, the music director was very patience in getting them to the level that was expected. They also had some fun, night activities like a dance on Friday and ice cream bar on Saturday.
In addition to Luke's NYSSMA honor, Luke has been part of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of NY, will be playing at Carnegie Hall on May 1st, 2022, and after submitting his NYSSMA All-State audition video, has been accepted to tour with them in Italy in July 2022.
The Sayville Music Department is quite proud of Luke’s accomplishments, especially his Wind Ensemble instructor Kerri Van Boxel and Mr. Albanese (Middle School's jazz and Stage Band teacher) who is his private teacher.
Photos courtesy of Mily Lundquist.
*Alternates: Maya Guacci, Katrina Kranzle, Michael Pitre, Olivia Reiss
