L to R: Jonah Choi, Penelope Conway, Campbell Edwards, and Jackson Cavanaugh
New Rochelle High School Musicians Named to All-State
Two New Rochelle High School students have been selected to perform in this year’s New York State School Music Association All-State Conference, with two additional students named as alternates
Seniors Jonah Choi (wind ensemble, flute 2) and Penelope Conway (symphony orchestra, violin 2) were selected for the honor, while juniors Campbell Edwards (alto 2, vocal) and Jackson Cavanaugh (cello) were named alternates. The students were chosen from thousands of applicants statewide based on their top scores during NYSSMA’s solo evaluations.
“I was very surprised to be selected as having amazing scores in All State auditions still doesn’t guarantee acceptance,” said Choi, adding that he was grateful to have achieved one of his greatest aspirations for high school.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our students and a wonderful reflection of the strength of our Performing & Visual Arts Program,” said Matthew M. Lucero, director of PreK-12 Performing and Visual Arts. “It also speaks to the dedication of our music teachers in preparing and supporting students as they develop the skills necessary to perform at this level.”
Choi credited his music teacher, Scott Byers, with playing a significant role in preparing him for NYSSMA. “The interpretation and intonation skills I acquired by playing roles in very difficult music allowed me to properly open my ears on how to make beautiful music.”
The 2026 NYSSMA Winter Conference will take place in Rochester, NY, from December 3-6. It will also feature the invited performance of our NRHS Wind Symphony, making this an especially exciting year for New Rochelle at the NYSSMA All-State Conference.