Spencer-Van Etten Middle School students Rowan Leonard, Niko Delaney, Logan Thorne and Mason Keller were among 90 instrumentalists from across New York state who took part in the first Elementary Honor Band Festival on Aug. 13 at Ithaca College.
The festival was conducted by Michael Struzik and Jackie Kovacs. Students also attended a performance by a New York City-based jazz band.
Band directors from across the state, including S-VE Middle School Band Director Melinda Smith, performed under guest conductors for the student participants.
Participation in a statewide festival allows young musicians to collaborate with peers from other districts, learn from guest conductors and gain experience performing at a collegiate venue.
The festival also highlighted the strength of music education in New York, showing students the opportunities that exist beyond their local programs and encouraging them to continue their musical studies.