The Music Institute of Long Island (MILI) located in Manhasset at the Community Reformed Church, on Plandome Road announced four students, including two from Herricks, who were accepted and will participate in this year’s All-State
Music Festival for High School students. All-State is sponsored by the New York State School Music Association, is considered one the highest honors a school musician can attain.
Albertson native and Herricks High School student Ellen Cooper, along with fellow student and cellist Dustin Liu of Manhasset Hills were selected. Other students include violinist Amanda Hedgecock from Plainview Old-Bethpage High School and Wheatley School cellist Chloe Tso.
Cooper and Liu started music instruction in the Kindermusik program at age 4 years and 12 months respectively. Hedgecock started violin instruction at 5 years old and while Tso started lessons at age 7 years old.
These musicians have received top scores in an audition process that includes preparing and performing a level six solo. This year, more than 6,500 sophomores and juniors from across the state of New York prepared for All-State evaluations in the hope of being selected. Of those 6,500, only 900 were selected to participate in this prestigious festival.
The national High Honors Orchestra will perform at the American String Teachers Association conference Kentucky.
