OHS Students Receive All-State Music Honors

Oswego Students Receive All-State Music Honors
 
Two Oswego High School students recently made their mark at the state level, as Ben Norton and Miles Bandla performed at the New York State School Music Association Conference with the All-State Mixed Choir.
 
The chorus, which was made up of 224 students from across New York state, received their music in October with the expectation that they would prepare their performances on their own, and be ready to begin rehearsals Nov. 30. Over the course of three days, the students rehearsed for more than 15 hours under the guidance of their guest conductor, Dr. Gary Packwood.
 
"The concert on Sunday morning saw over 2,000 people in attendance and the choir's performance was sensational! I am so proud of our students,” said OHS Choir Director, Robert Dumas.
 
Norton and Bandla were selected based on their NYSSMA Solo Festival Score from May 2023. Students who wish to be considered for this opportunity must perform an "All-State Audition" where they are evaluated by an adjudicator from outside of this area.
 
“It is a difficult honor to attain, as students usually need a perfect, or near-perfect score to even be considered,” Dumas said. “Ben and Miles are the only two vocalists from Oswego County that were selected for Conference All-State Chorus this year.”
 
Nearly 2,500 students from around NYS Auditioned for All-State Chorus; of those, 920 were recommended for this honor, but only 224 students ultimately were accepted into the ensemble.