The New York State School Music Association has named a pair of juniors from Windsor Central High School, Allison Romain and Alexandra DiGennaro, as NYSSMA All-State selections.
Romain, an Alto vocalist, is an alternate to the All-State Conference in Rochester on December 5th through 8th. DiGennaro, a French Horn player, has earned a spot in the symphonic band.
“I’m really excited about it,” said DiGennaro, who spent the summer at the Interlochen School for the Arts camp in Michigan. “When I was at camp this summer, I found that I really liked being part of a band.”
DiGennaro was selected for the 2018 High School Honors Performance Series at both Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia. These ensembles are limited to the highest-rated high school performers from across the world. On Saturdays, DiGennaro participates in the Music Advancement Program at the Juilliard School. It’s an impressive resume, but one DiGennaro doesn’t dwell on.
“I don’t care as much about the distinctions. I just like to play,” said DiGennaro.
"To even be considered, Alexandra had to achieve a 98/100 or higher score on a top level French Horn solo. For two years in a row, Alexandra has received a perfect score. We are very proud of the hard work that she has put into honing her craft over the years to become one of the best French Horn players in the state," said WCHS music teacher Joel Carle.
Romain is active in the Arts at WCHS, participating in theater, acapella, modern band, and Knights of the Rock Table (KORT).
“The musical is one of my favorite things that I do,” said Romain.
Romain submitted her NYSSMA level six vocal solo from a year ago for consideration for All-State Honors.
“I scored a 99, but I was told a 99 doesn’t even get you considered because they want the best of the best, a 100 (score),” said Romain. “When I got the letter a couple of weeks ago, I was surprised.”
“I was so excited when Allison told me she had received her letter. This prestigious honor was not just handed to her - Allison worked day in and day out to achieve this. I would find her practicing her song or sight singing in between classes, before school, and in between the many musical activities she participates in after the school day concludes. I am so immensely proud of her, she worked very hard to achieve this goal,” said Windsor CSD Choral Director Robert Morano.
Romain is an alternate, but she’s hoping the cost, location, and scheduling of the All-State conference may open up enough spots to allow her to go.
“Ultimately, I want to teach music. That’s a big part of getting into this. It looks good on a college resume,” said Romain.