Musicians off to Suburban Council Festival

Singer Ray Blanken performs a solo onstage

Eighteen outstanding City School District of Ó£ÌÒÊÓÆµ students have been chosen to perform in the 2025 Suburban Council Music Festival next month.

The musicians – representing the three middle schools and Ó£ÌÒÊÓÆµ – will perform alongside their peers from area schools in the middle school band, middle school orchestra and high school chorus.

The festival will be held Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School.

The performers are:

Middle school band

  • Alex Blake, trombone, Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School
  • Rowan De Piro, clarinet, Myers Middle School
  • Felix Diaz, clarinet, Hackett, William S. Hackett Middle School
  • Rudra Kumar, flute, North Ó£ÌÒÊÓÆµ Middle School
  • Hannah Hubbell, flute, Hackett Middle School
  • Nathaleej Labaro, alto saxophone, North Ó£ÌÒÊÓÆµ Middle School

Middle school orchestra

  • Emmaline Dalland, violin 2, Hackett Middle School
  • Samy Elminyawi, violin, North Ó£ÌÒÊÓÆµ Middle School
  • Zora Miller, viola, Hackett Middle School

High school choir (all Ó£ÌÒÊÓÆµ students)

  • Ray Blanken
  • Declan Chirlin
  • Celia Diefendorf
  • Isaac Olshan
  • William O'Neill
  • Ya'ir Sasson
  • Nina Scandurra
  • Julian Shepersky
  • Iris Whalen

Students were chosen based on scores earned at New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) auditions, teacher recommendations, and instrument and voice needs to balance the ensembles.

Congratulations to these talented musicians and the teachers who guide them!