Every year, approximately 100,000 student musicians perform in front of a judge as a part of the New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) adjudication festivals. They prepare a piece of music, from level one to six, which they will play/sing along with scales and sightread music. They will then receive some constructive feedback—helping them grow into stronger performers—and a score based on a variety of performance aspects. 

As expected, the idea of playing your instrument or singing knowing that there will be judgement at the end can create some anxiety. So, how are the musicians here at BHS preparing for the upcoming festival this May?

BHS junior and singer Sophia Marullo said, “My dad has been giving me lessons because he’s my accompanist, and I usually work with Ms. Cooper when I’m practicing. I’m really excited that this year it’s being held at Bethpage because I think I will be more comfortable here.”

Many of us participants were very surprised to hear it will be hosted at BHS high school this year. Members of the Tri-M music honor society plan on volunteering to direct the visiting musicians and check them in when their time to perform arrives. I myself find it bizarre that I might end up in my own English or Math classroom. Perhaps the comfort of playing in their own school will bring some of these extraordinary instrumentalists some comfort during this exciting yet nerve racking experience.

“Yes, I believe that playing at BHS will make me feel more comfortable and confident during my performance,” said BHS junior and saxophonist Kayla Cusumano. “I’ve been in all of the classrooms hundreds of times, so performing here for NYSSMA will feel much more normal and familiar to me than performing in a school I don’t attend.”

So whether or not the musicians are nervous, excited, or somewhere in between, they have worked extremely hard practicing for many hours. So let’s give some credit to these dedicated individuals who bring music to life and share it with our school.