John C. Birdlebough High School seniors Zachary Thompson and Brian Breen recently performed in the New York State School Music Association annual Winter Conference All-State Music Festival in Rochester.
Thompson participated in the mixed chorus on tenor 1. The 284-member group performed under the direction of Vanderbuilt University Associate Professor of Music Dr. Tucker Biddlecombe. Selections performed by the mixed chorus at the concert included “The Star Spangled Banner” by Key/Smith, “Sing Unto God” by G.F. Handel, “My Spirit is Uncaged” by Paul Rardin, “Luminescence” by Andrea Ramsey, “Verleigh uns Frieden” by Felix Mendelssohn, “Even When He Is Silent” by Kim Arnesen, “Jenga Imani Yako” by Israel Rodgers, and “He’ll Make A Way” by Byron Smith.
Breen, who shined in the percussion section, was one of 61 students who performed in the wind ensemble, under the direction of Nazareth College Music Professor Dr. Jared Chase. Selections performed by the wind ensemble at the concert included “The Star Spangled Banner” by Jack Stamp, “Magnolia Star” by Steve Danyew, “Sheperd’s Hey” by Percy Grainger, “Sheltering Sky” by John Mackey and “Zion” by Dan Welcher.
Breen and Thompson were selected from applications from every school district throughout their state, after they obtained high scores at the NYSSMA Solo Festival in the spring of 2016.
Selected students participated in one of seven performing ensembles: vocal jazz ensemble, instrumental jazz ensemble, wind ensemble, symphonic band, string orchestra, women’s chorus, and mixed chorus.
Breen Thompson