Local High School Musicians Head to All-States

Three local high school student have been accepted in the 2013 Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA) All-State Music Festival. The students will spend two full days in rehearsals in Cromwell, CT before concluding with a concert featuring all ensembles held at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT on April 4th at 7:00PM. 

Three students from the Waterbury Arts Magnet School were selected to sing in the All-State Chorus. Alto Emily Pierce of Terryville and freshman tenor Christian 'CJ' Janis of Naugatuck will represent WAMS. Senior soprano Olivia Conforti of Naugatuck was unable to attend the festival because she will be appearing in the school's production of In the Heights this weekend at the Palace Theater. Before the two students headed to Cromwell on Tuesday afternoon, Principal Leo Lavallee called them to his office to congratulate both musicians on their achievement.

Naugatuck High School will be represented by Alex Hernandez, who will sing in the All-State chorus. Ms. Hernandez is a member of the Naugatuck High School Chamber Singers and will appear as Annie in Naugatuck Teen Theatre's Annie Get Your Gun in May.

To be considered for acceptance into this festival, students had to audition for and perform in the Southern region festival held in January at Francis T. Maloney High School in Meriden on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. After this festival, a second round of auditions was held on February 2nd at North Haven High School for the purpose of selecting the top musicians from the four regions in Connecticut.  Students who are accepted into the All-State festival have consistently demonstrated a high degree of musicianship and technical facility.  

The students will rehearse and perform with top conductors from around the United States as they prepare advanced repertoire and develop ensemble skills.  The band will be conducted by Dr. Jack Stamp of Indiana University of Pennsylvania; the Orchestra will be conducted by William Boughton, music director of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra.  Dr. Patrick Walders of San Diego State University will conduct the chorus, which will be accompanied by Todd Simmons, and Ronald Carter of Northern Illinois University will direct the jazz ensemble. 

This festival is an annual event for the high school music students of Connecticut under the auspices of the Connecticut Music Educators Association.  Tickets may be purchased at the door.

All-State Festival Concert at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford

April 4, 2013 at 7:00PM
Tickets:      $20.00 - Adults
                  $15.00 - Senior Citizens & Students (through high school)