Four talented Huntington High School musicians have been named All-Eastern by the National Association for Music Education.
Grace Wildermuth (double bass) has been selected for concert band; Chloe Buffone (soprano) and Katherine Eichenberger (alto) were tapped for mixed chorus and Eliana Ng (flute) was picked for symphony orchestra.
“It’s truly an honor to have been chosen to perform in the All-Eastern mixed choir,” Ms. Buffone said. “I’m so grateful for the commitment the Huntington music department has made to helping me achieve my goals. My years of hard work and the dedication of Huntington’s music teachers has helped me achieve this incredible honor.”
The fabulous four Huntington teenagers are among the elite high school musicians from New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maryland, District of Columbia, Vermont and Europe.
“While I’m obviously a little disappointed that I won’t have the opportunity to attend the in-person conference, I am very excited to be taking part in All-Eastern,” Ms. Eichenberger said. “I loved participating in the New York All-State Conference this year and last year and can’t wait to work with this group. The Huntington music program has been a place where I have grown so much, both as a person and as a musician. I think this is a great addition to my experience as my time in Huntington comes to an end.”
Huntington’s dynamic four students were chosen from among a pool of 1,150 applicants overall. Due to COVID-19, the in-person All-Eastern conference and honors ensembles set for April in Connecticut have been cancelled. Instead, a virtual All-Eastern ensemble experience has been organized for March 4-6.
“The achievements of our students represent true mastery in their musical studies and the highest level of personal and professional excellence,” said Eric Reynolds, district director of fine and performing arts. “Our All-Eastern students study under the tutelage of teachers James DiMeglio, Victoria Garbarino and Jason Giachetti.”
The Huntington musicians are a proud group of teenagers. They have all worked hard at their craft.
“I am extremely honored that I was selected as a member of the All-Eastern orchestra and feel so fortunate to be given such an amazing opportunity as a high school student,” Ms. Ng said. “Although we will be performing virtually, it will still be an exciting experience. I am so grateful for all the support and opportunities that Mr. Giachetti, Mr. [Brian] Stellato and the Huntington Music Department have given me.”
Huntington’s four All-Eastern musicians have been participating in the district’s music program for many years.
“I’m honored to have been chosen for this year's All-Eastern and I’m so happy for Eliana, Katherine and Chloe as well,” Ms. Wildermuth said. “It’s amazing that Huntington is so well represented at such a competitive conference and I think that speaks to the strength of our district’s music program. I am so grateful for the support of all of the music teachers I’ve had in Huntington, especially Mr. DiMeglio, Mrs. [Nicole] Castaldo, and Mr. [Matthew] Gelfer. Their passion and support has been instrumental [pun intended] in my musical training and I owe so much of my own passion and progress to them. I’m looking forward to preparing the music and listening to each group’s final performance.”
The music program is one of Huntington UFSD’s crown jewels. It has long produced superb musicians who have gone on to win a long list of honors.
“Recognition in festivals, such as All-Eastern reflect the commitment and support that the Fine and Performing Arts Department continuously receives from the Huntington School Board, district and building administration and the faculty and staff of Huntington UFSD,” Mr. Reynolds said.