The Phoenix Central School District is home to some of the state’s most talented student musicians.
Several John C. Birdlebough High School students recently performed in the New York State School Music Association Senior High Area All-State Festival in Whitesboro. They showcased their talents in band, orchestra, mixed chorus and women’s chorus as they played alongside students from Oswego, Herkimer and Oneida counties.
JCB Band Director Liza Grethel said students were selected for the honor because they received high scores for their NYSSMA solo piece performed in the spring of 2016. Grethel commended JCB seniors Daniel Knowlton, who played a trumpet, and Samantha Harrison, who played a French horn, for their Area All-State Orchestra performance, which she said is an exceptional honor because JCB does not have an orchestra program.
Praise was also given to the four mixed chorus members, one member of the women’s chorus, and five students who performed in the concert band. Grethel said the Senior High Area All-State Festival provided students with an opportunity to make music at a high skill level, which “really gives them a unique experience.”
JCB seniors Samantha Harrison and Daniel Knowlton recently
participated in the New York State School Music Association
Senior High Area All-State orchestra.