Written By: Sahana Bhat

Music is an important part of the culture at RCDS, and many students express their talents and passion through choir, band, or orchestra. One of the many ways that the Music Department nurtures and develops the confidence and skills of students, The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) offers an opportunity for music students to showcase their talents. By participating in NYSSMA, students can build experience and confidence, as well as prepare for possible selection for honors ensembles. 

NYSSMA is an organization that evaluates New York students on their musical performance through festivals. Students can perform solos or in ensembles, receive feedback from certified judges, and can earn high scores; these high scores can be used for auditions for honors ensembles, like all-state groups, or for college applications. 

The Music Department and its chair, Mary Marcell, guides the students’ journey, introducing students to NYSSMA and supporting them throughout the process. Vree Tuncer ‘26, who participated in the NYSSMA festivals and was accepted into the Area All-State and All-State ensembles. reflected, “The RCDS music department has been really helpful with introducing people to NYSSMA and making sure they’re supported. Ms. Marcell, specifically, has always made sure I have all the music and help I need before my audition, and then has been there for my rehearsals and performances every year in the Area All State choir!” With this support from the Music Department, students feel more comfortable and assured going into their auditions. 

NYSSMA also offers  the opportunity to make new connections and relationships. In reference to  her participation in Area All State and All State ensembles, Tuncer said, “The Area All State choir was my first ever non-RCDS choir, and it showed me how quickly music can connect people and form bonds between strangers. Being surrounded by so many others with the same passion as you is so hard to find, and it was such a great experience being in that choir.” 

Ms. Marcell also shared how RCDS music teachers supported the students for potential selection for the honor ensembles, such as helping choose appropriate areas such as scales and sight reading. In regards to what motivates RCDS students to participate in NYSSMA, Ms. Marcell said, “While many students do NYSSMA solos simply to get more feedback and additional perspective, students who participate in NYSSMA are often very motivated to practice and prepare because they have a clear, specific goal to work toward.” Ms. Marcell emphasized that many RCDS students who have been selected to participate in Area All-State, All-County, or All-State ensembles have found the experience especially inspiring. Working with other outstanding conductors and being part of a community of highly motivated and talented musicians like themselves has encouraged them to continue growing as performers. 

As the participation in NYSSMA festivals increases, more students may consider joining, and Tuncer hopes they do. “I would say just go for it!!” she said. “There is absolutely no harm in showing up, auditioning, and getting a score plus some feedback – if you get accepted into an ensemble, even better! It is so much better to just give it a shot than to regret not giving it a shot.” Her ‘musician advice’ was to practice thoroughly and leverage the amazing RCDS music teachers to help prepare for the auditions. 

Overall, the number of students who are participating in the NYSSMA are growing by the year, and as Tuncer said, students gain invaluable experience and many connections from doing it. Involvement in the NYSSMA is an important part of the music community at RCDS, and has proven to shape many memorable moments in RCDS students’ lives.